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Evaluation of a CAMHS in Primary Care Service for General Practice
Author(s) -
Wiener Andrew,
Rodwell Helen
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
child and adolescent mental health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.912
H-Index - 46
eISSN - 1475-3588
pISSN - 1475-357X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-3588.2006.00401.x
Subject(s) - referral , primary care , service (business) , mental health , medicine , mental health service , nursing , family medicine , psychiatry , economy , economics
Background: Many CAMH Services have Tier 2 provision in primary care, but there has been little published evaluation. In a service aimed at general practice, this study examined: 1) the clinical activities of the primary mental health workers; 2) the effect of the service on referrals to specialist CAMHS; and 3) the utilisation and perceived usefulness of the service. Method: clinical activity data collection, evaluation of referral patterns, and a postal questionnaire. Results: Informal (unstructured) consultation‐liaison was used more than formal consultation. Referrals to specialist CAMHS increased from practices using the service. The service was perceived as helpful and accessible. Conclusions: The service supported primary care staff in their work with child and adolescent mental health issues. Referrals to Tier 3 may increase as a result of the service.