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Transforming youth mental health care in a semi‐urban and rural region of Canada: A service description of ACCESS Open Minds Chatham‐Kent
Author(s) -
ReaumeZimmer Paula,
Chandrasena Ranjith,
Malla Ashok,
Joober Ridha,
Boksa Patricia,
Shah Jai L.,
Iyer Srividya N.,
Lal Shalini
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
early intervention in psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.087
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1751-7893
pISSN - 1751-7885
DOI - 10.1111/eip.12818
Subject(s) - mental health , context (archaeology) , officer , public relations , service (business) , nursing , business , psychology , medicine , political science , geography , marketing , psychiatry , archaeology , law
Abstract Aim This study describes how mental health services for youth are being transformed within the context of a semi‐urban and rural region of Canada (Chatham‐Kent, Ontario), based on the framework of ACCESS Open Minds (ACCESS OM), a pan‐Canadian youth mental health research and evaluation network. Methods Transformation has focused on the five key objectives of ACCESS OM, namely early identification, rapid access, appropriate care, continuity of care, and youth and family engagement. A community mapping process was conducted at the beginning of the transformation to help develop a comprehensive inventory of services, identify challenges and optimize partnerships to address the five key objectives. Results The following strategies represent key elements in the transformation: coordination and partnerships between hospital, community and voluntary organizations, as well as different sectors of the community (e.g., Child and Youth Services, Education, Community Safety and Correctional Services, CSCS); working with local champions (e.g., Youth Diversion Officer and the Mental Health and Addictions Nurse in the school sectors); establishing a youth‐friendly space in a central part of the community, where services are co‐located and operate within an open‐concept design; training of ACCESS Clinicians to conduct an initial assessment; engaging youth and family in service‐level recruitment, planning, daily operations, and evaluation, including hiring of youth and family peer navigators; and, engaging the community through awareness and educational events. Conclusions The success of this transformation needs to be measured on various outcome parameters, but it is notable that neighbouring communities are already beginning to implement a similar model.