kNOwTell explores telemed to cater mental health concerns of youth

written by Roberto Figuracion

As the COVID-19 continues to cause fear across the Philippines, mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety became more visible, following the exponential increase in new cases.

To combat the spread of the virus, local authorities imposed stricter demands such as border restrictions, quarantine protocols, general advisories on public health, and even a curfew for minors. When malls were locked down in the early months of the community quarantine, the kNOwTell Health & Wellness Lounge, stationed at the Robinsons Mall-Iloilo, was affected. While it could have simply stopped its operations due to the lockdown, it chose to move its operations to the Rajah Community Center.

kNOwTell did not stop catering to its clients, despite the lockdown, it could have just been a lucky thing for a 14-year old girl who has been suffering from anxiety while preparing for the opening of classes. The uncertainty and stress brought about by the threat of COVID-19 made the girl unable to properly function at home. “Tell Me,” the online platform of kNOwTell, suggested contacts for the client that can help her connect with a social worker and a psychometrician. Her connection with youth leaders did not end when she slowly learned to manage her current circumstances. The peer educator integrated her into the community center so that she can relate her experiences with other youth volunteers. When the information dissemination of the local transmission of the virus was still in its infancy, FPOP along with its supporting partners, were already in the works. Not only did they communicate the necessary actions through proper channels, but they also boosted their telemedicine mechanism to cater to clients who could not be serviced by hospitals as they were filled beyond capacity with COVID-19 related cases.

Another case is of a minor who sought help through the telemedicine platform that he has been experiencing distress, having problems with his private parts. With the prompt intervention and case management of the in-house social worker, the clinic nurse was able to schedule an appointment with the kNOwTell doctor who eventually made an online prescription for the client. The client was diagnosed with an STI infection. The case proved to have more obstacles since the prescribed medicine was an injectable. The kNOwTell staff was transported by the mobile clinic to ad- minister the treatment in the patient’s location. This is a classic example of a blended service delivery where online demand generation translates to on-site services.

The telemedicine strategy proved to be efficient and effective in delivering healthcare services for the young key population, while navigating their way into the intensely strict regulations and protocols brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. It was strengthened by the active social media engagements and complemented with the operations of the mobile clinic offering sexual and reproductive health services, not limited to HIV and AIDS.

Other clients that can’t be reached by the mobile clinic were referred to partner agencies and Adolescent Friendly Health Facilities.

The kNowTell Health and Wellness Lounge is one of the Champion Community Centers supported by the Global Fund - ACER through LoveYourself. It is a brainchild project of the Department of Health CHD6 together with Robinsons Malls and The Family Planning Organization of the Philippines – Iloilo Chapter.