Snakes and Ladders: The experience of being referred to and seen by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Referral processes in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) have been reported as stressful and inadequate by young people and parents/carers, who struggle during waiting periods for the referral outcome decision. The Covid19 pandemic was an unprecedented time of distress for young people, parents/carers, and healthcare staff, with increased mental health challenges and stretched staff having to adapt modes of care, thus exacerbating difficulties for CAMHS.

Aim

This qualitative study aimed to capture the unique lived experiences of young people, parents/carers, and CAMHS staff during the referral process in the peak of the Covid19 pandemic.

Methods

As part of the STADIA trial, between 2020 and 2022, 109 semi-structured interviews across 8 NHS

SUBMITTER: Newman KL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11635093 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature