Healix has launched a workplace mental health screening tool.
The Reflect tool was developed in-house by Dr Luke Kane, a practising NHS GP and medical officer at Healix and enables businesses to screen employee mental wellbeing against all major psychiatric disorders.
Specialist advice was also provided by Dr James Dove, an NHS consultant psychiatrist who set up one of London’s busiest acute mental health crisis assessment services, the firm said.
Accessed through a secure portal, the tool can be used in several ways, including screening people working in high-stress roles, before, during and after business trips and by businesses to support employee welfare assistance programmes.
The questions used in the screening tool are based on diagnostic interviews developed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
It includes a risk rating system that categorises individuals based on the severity and type of symptoms reported, allowing for a stratified approach to care and support.
Healix added that questions within the screening were carefully designed to be inclusive and sensitive to the wide spectrum of mental health issues, avoiding medical jargon to make the tool accessible to non-specialists and to ensure cultural sensitivity.
Dr Kane said: “Early identification of mental health issues can significantly improve outcomes. Our tool aims to identify these issues sooner, facilitating timely and appropriate interventions.
“There’s been a long-standing gap in mental health screening and support, particularly for conditions beyond the more commonly discussed anxiety and depression.”
Dr Dove added: “The development of this tool underscores the importance of a holistic approach to mental health and recognises how interconnected various psychiatric conditions are, and the need for comprehensive care strategies
“This tool reflects the complex nature of psychiatric diagnoses and advocates tailored support strategies for individuals requiring treatment.
“Support could range from self-help resources for those at lower risk to professional mental health services for higher risk individuals.”
James Henderson, CEO for Healix International, said: “We believe in a proactive, rather than a reactive approach when it comes to mental wellbeing in the workplace.“