Neurocognitive and Symptom Validity Testing for Post-COVID-19 Condition in a Workers Compensation Context.

Objective: Efficacy of a neurocognitive screening evaluation (NCSE) in assessing symptoms and disability associated with post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) and facilitating employee recovery and return to work was evaluated.

Methods: An NCSE was administered to 64 employees off work because of neurocognitive complaints attributed to post-COVID-19 condition. Neurocognitive and symptom validity data were analyzed along with recovery and return-to-work timelines.

Addressing Mental Health Factors to Improve Outcomes in Work-Related COVID-19: A Retrospective Study of Frontline Workers.

Objective: This retrospective study investigated the benefits of adding psychological services for frontline workers with delayed recovery from COVID-19 due to psychosocial stressors and/or mental disorders.

Methods: Both standardized psychological evaluation and at least 3 sessions of work-focused cognitive behavioral therapy were provided to 103 participants. Benefits were assessed by comparing the pretreatment and posttreatment recovery, work status, and self-ratings of work-related and adaptive daily functioning.

Improving Outcomes for Work-Related Concussions: A Mental Health Screening and Brief Therapy Model.

Objective: This study assessed the efficacy of a neurocognitive screening evaluation and brief therapy model to improve RTW outcomes for workers who experienced mild head injuries.

Methods: Patients referred were evaluated using a neurocognitive and psychological screening battery. Work-focused cognitive behavioral therapy was provided when appropriate, addressing the role of negative emotional adjustment and functional sleep disturbance in prolonging recovery.

Comparison of DASS-21, PHQ-8, and GAD-7 in a virtual behavioral health care setting.

Background: Validated depression and anxiety symptom screeners are commonly used in clinical settings. How results from different brief depression and anxiety symptom assessment tools compare to each other is not well established, especially in real world healthcare settings. This study aimed to compare the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21 Depression scale (DASS-Depression) and Anxiety (DASS-Anxiety) scale to the Patient Health Questionnaire 8 (PHQ-8) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) respectively, in a real-world virtual behavioral healthcare setting.

Screening, assessment and management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents: Australasian Paediatric Endocrine Group guidelines.

Introduction: The incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus has increased in children and adolescents due largely to the obesity epidemic, particularly in high risk ethnic groups. β-Cell function declines faster and diabetes complications develop earlier in paediatric type 2 diabetes compared with adult-onset type 2 diabetes. There are no consensus guidelines in Australasia for assessment and management of type 2 diabetes in paediatric populations and health professionals have had to refer to adult guidelines.

Using Telehealth to Implement Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.

Behavioral health issues are common among patients with comorbid medical conditions but often go unrecognized or untreated, resulting in worse clinical outcomes and avoidable medical expenditures. This column describes an innovative telehealth solution that includes proactive and targeted patient identification and engagement and nationwide delivery of a technology-enabled, standardized, and evidence-based behavioral health program delivered via phone or video. A retrospective before-after evaluation of the program demonstrated national reach, high patient satisfaction, and significant reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.

A Nationally Scaled Telebehavioral Health Program for Chronic Pain: Characteristics, Goals, and Psychological Outcomes.

Background: Millions of U.S. adults suffer from chronic pain with a high prevalence of comorbid mental health issues.

A Tele-Behavioral Health Intervention to Reduce Depression, Anxiety, and Stress and Improve Diabetes Self-Management.

Background: Depression is prevalent among individuals with diabetes and associated with suboptimal self-management. Little is known about the feasibility and potential impact of tele-behavioral therapy to improve depressive symptoms and self-management among diabetes patients.

Methods: This was a retrospective observational study of consecutive graduates enrolled in a national 8-week diabetes behavioral telehealth program between August 1, 2014, and January 31, 2015 (N = 466; mean age 56.

Leveraging remote behavioral health interventions to improve medical outcomes and reduce costs.

Objective: The dramatic rise in healthcare expenditures calls for innovative and scalable strategies to achieve measurable, near-term improvements in health. Our objective was to determine whether a remotely delivered behavioral health intervention could improve medical health, reduce hospital admissions, and lower cost of care for individuals with a recent cardiovascular event.

Study Design: This retrospective observational cohort study included members of a commercial health plan referred to participate in AbilTo’s Cardiac Health Program.