For citation: McLean, K., O'Connor, E., Ong, R., Joseph, C., Skinner, R. and Goldfeld, S. (2023), Psychosocial assessment tools for children and young people aged 5–18 years: A rapid review of the literature. J Paediatr Child Health, 59: 218-228. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpc.16324

Methods

Rapid evidence assessment methodology was utilised to identify validated tools that could identify psychosocial concerns in children and young people aged 5–18 years. We identified articles from peer-reviewed journals via three electronic bibliographic databases (PubMed, Embase and CINAHL). We then extended the search for evidence through a search of the grey literature.

Results

From 3963 peer-reviewed articles found in the database search, 10 relevant peer-reviewed publications met inclusion criteria. In combination with 12 grey literature sources, 33 tools were identified. These included self-report tools (typically for children aged 11 years and older), parent-report and teacher-report tools. We identified the six most promising psychosocial assessment tools. However, there was limited description about implementation within school-based nursing programs.

Conclusions

Several tools exist that show promise in assisting school-based nursing programs to conduct preliminary psychosocial assessments for children and young people. The introduction of any tools into practice would require implementation guidance and evaluation, including how and when they should be used, and when referral and follow-up is required.