The Impact of Primary Mental Health Workers on Referrals to CAMHS

Background:  This paper describes the impact of a new primary mental health team within the existing child and adolescent health service on referrals and attendance rates.
Method:  100 referrals to CAMHS from prior to the PMHT and 100 referrals prior to the evaluation were examined and classified as appropriate or inappropriate for CAMHS. Information was also gathered as to whether the child and/or family attended for their appointment with CAMHS.
Results and Conclusions:  a large increase in attendance and decrease in non-attendance rates to CAMHS was seen. The referrals to CAMHS have become more appropriate for a psychiatry service. However, the service provoked a mixed response from Tier 1 professionals. Recommendations are made for the skills needed by primary mental health workers and further evaluative techniques.