For a study, researchers sought to find patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) that have been used in studies of young people with skin diseases to screen for and evaluate mental health problems. They also sought to evaluate their evidence in the population critically.
To find PROMs that screened or assessed for mental health symptoms in children with skin disease, a systematic literature search was carried out within PubMed and PsycINFO using search terms for pediatric populations, dermatology, screening and assessment tools, and psychological and psychiatric conditions. The COSMIN risk of bias tool was used to evaluate the quality and evidence basis of PROMs that have undergone validation within the group.
In investigations of children with skin diseases, 111 PROMs that evaluate mental health symptoms were found. These included general measures for measuring mental health that had received considerable validation across several groups. In young people with skin diseases, only one PROM, the “Skin Picking Scale—Revised,” has undergone formal validation. As a result, it was recommended because the evidence supporting its content validity was of insufficient quality.
Early detection and aggressive treatment of mental health issues were urgently required to enhance the outcomes for young people with skin diseases. The study showed the existing lack of agreement over the most effective method to evaluate the patients. They would probably be able to meet their needs with the help of current generic mental health techniques and PROMS. Examining the usefulness, viability, and acceptability of current general, validated mental health screening measures in young people with skin diseases still needs to be done.
Reference: onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/ftr/10.1111/pde.14991
