Transitions of Care from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to Adult Mental Health Services
Author Information
Author(s): Swaran P Singh, Paul Moli, Tamsin Ford, Tami Kramer, Tim Weaver
Primary Institution: Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick
Hypothesis
The TRACK study aims to identify factors which facilitate or impede effective transition from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS).
Conclusion
At least 13 transition protocols were in operation in Greater London in April 2005, but not all protocols meet all requirements set by government policy.
Supporting Evidence
- 42 out of 65 teams contacted responded to the survey.
- Teams varied in type and transition boundaries with AMHS.
- Protocols differed in key procedural details, such as joint working between CAMHS and AMHS.
Takeaway
This study looked at how young people move from children's mental health services to adult services and found that there are many different rules and practices, which can make it hard for them to get the help they need.
Methodology
A questionnaire survey of Greater London CAMHS to identify transition protocols and collect data on team size, structure, transition protocols, population served and referral rates to AMHS.
Potential Biases
The existence of a protocol does not ensure that actual practice adheres to the stated policy.
Limitations
The study may not have captured responses from every relevant CAMHS, leading to potential selection bias.
Participant Demographics
Respondents were located in 11 health Trusts, with teams serving populations ranging from 60,000 to 4 million.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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