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Evaluation of a CAMHS in Primary Care Service for General Practice |
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| Authors: | Andrew Wiener,& Helen Rodwell |
| Affiliation: | Child and Family Department, Tavistock Clinic, 120 Belsize Lane, London NW3 5BA, UK. E-mail:; Dunstable Family Consultation Clinic, Priory Gardens, Church Street, Dunstable, LU6 3SU, UK |
| Abstract: | 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. |
| Keywords: | CAMHS consultation-liaison general practice early intervention primary care primary mental health worker children and adolescents evaluation |