Researchers at the University of Cambridge, working closely with young people and their carers, have developed an electronic version of Brief Psychosocial Intervention (BPI) to use while waiting for depression treatment within Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services (CYPMHS).

BPI is an existing face-to-face treatment designed specifically for young people, which has been shown to be effective in addressing depression.  In the Wait Less study, Cambridge researchers developed a self-guided, electronic version of the same treatment for young people to use while they are on the CYPMHS waiting list.

Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) was an integral part of the project from the start, with young people invited to feedback their ideas for developing an electronic BPI and editing the Plain English Summary of the funding application to make it more accessible.

How were young people (and their parents/carers) involved?

The team established two advisory groups; one for young people (YPAG), with 10 members, and the other for parents/carers (5 members).

Researchers worked with the Cambridge Youth Panel to invite young people who have experience of mental health conditions or being on a waiting list in mental health services.  The YPAG meet via Zoom 3 – 4 times a year, where they have helped create short explanatory videos for the app, and also contributed to its development, design, content and presentation including interactive components.

Research Assistant Dominique Grohmann said: “We’ve seen clear benefits of involving young people in the Wait Less project. Both groups appreciated the supportive environment and connections they’ve made, and the sense of fulfilment from being involved in the research.

“Through early and ongoing engagement from young people and parents, the Wait Less project has helped to ensure that the digital intervention is relevant and accessible for young people on mental health waiting lists for depression.”