Service innovations: a mental health service for homeless children and families

Aims and MethodDescription of the development of an outreach mental health service for homeless children and families, and presentation of referrals characteristics and management of 40 families.ResultsFamilies became homeless predominantly because of domestic and neighbourhood violence. They were usually referred to the team for assessment of parents and children, without specific mental health concerns. A range of mental health interventions was offered, as well as liaison with other agencies.Clinical ImplicationsThe development of such services requires coordination of different agencies working with children and their parents. Also, designated staff and resources, because of the potential conflict with generic services.

Download Full-text

Disadvantaged Children and Families in Pediatric Primary Care Settings: I. Broadening the Scope of Integrated Mental Health Service

Journal of Clinical Child Psychology ◽

10.1207/s15374424jccp2004_3 ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 20 (4) ◽

pp. 351-359 ◽

Cited By ~ 16

Author(s):

Kenneth J. Tarnowski

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Primary Care ◽

Mental Health Service ◽

Health Service ◽

Pediatric Primary Care ◽

Children And Families ◽

Disadvantaged Children ◽

Primary Care Settings ◽

Integrated Mental Health

Download Full-text

Access to a child mental health service

Psychiatric Bulletin ◽

10.1192/pb.26.1.15 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 26 (1) ◽

pp. 15-18 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Graeme Lamb ◽

Anita Anfield ◽

Anne Sheeran

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Service ◽

Health Service ◽

Child Mental Health ◽

Case Note ◽

Clinical Implications ◽

Retrospective Case ◽

Consultation Service ◽

Child Mental Health Service ◽

Initial Appointment

Aims and MethodThis was a retrospective case note analysis of all referrals to an inner-London child and family consultation service aiming to examine any changes in patterns of referral and attendance of Bangladeshi and indigenous families over the previous 10-year period.ResultsBangladeshi referrals increased over the period but remained under-represented compared to indigenous families. They were less likely to attend an initial appointment, but once engaged with the service dropout rates were unaffected by ethnicity.Clinical ImplicationsImproved communication between the department, families and referrers may help to increase understanding of the function of the department and lead to more equitable uptake of services in the future.

Download Full-text

Monitoring Australian parents’ shifting receptiveness to digital mental health interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic

Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/00048674211065985 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 000486742110659

Author(s):

Jake Linardon ◽

Elizabeth M Westrupp ◽

Jacqui A Macdonald ◽

Antonina Mikocka-Walus ◽

Mark A Stokes ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mindful Parenting ◽

Health Interventions ◽

Full Potential ◽

Digital Platforms ◽

Digital Interventions ◽

Parents And Children ◽

Lower Social Support ◽

Mental Health Interventions ◽

Willingness To Use

Background: Nascent evidence indicates that the mental health of parents and children has markedly declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering disruptions to traditional face-to-face mental health services resultant from stay-at-home orders, the potential value of digital mental health interventions has become extremely apparent. Despite this, uptake of digital interventions remains poor, indicating that a better understanding is needed of factors that determine a willingness to use digital platforms. Method: The present multi-wave, longitudinal study of 2365 Australian parents explored between-person and within-person predictors of intentions to use digital interventions during the pandemic. Results: More than one-third of parents reported likely use of a self-guided and therapist-guided digital intervention, with the most endorsed reason for use being to support their child’s mental health. Between-person baseline predictors of higher intention ratings were parent’s prior mental illness, not living with a partner and recent environmental stressors. Within-person predictors of higher intention ratings were endorsement of mindful parenting strategies, child access to the Internet, better perceived management of child’s education, lower social support and financial hardship. Conclusion: Findings demonstrate that willingness to engage in digital interventions fluctuates in response to changing circumstances. Identifying novel ways to increase acceptance and uptake of digital interventions based on modifiable predictors established here is needed to realize the full potential of these modes of care in times of need.

Download Full-text

Implementing the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START) in a forensic mental health service

Psychiatric Bulletin ◽

10.1192/pb.bp.108.019794 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 32 (11) ◽

pp. 406-408 ◽

Cited By ~ 25

Author(s):

Michael Doyle ◽

Geraint Lewis ◽

Moya Brisbane

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Service ◽

Health Service ◽

Face Validity ◽

Clinical Implications ◽

Routine Practice ◽

Forensic Mental Health ◽

Short Term ◽

Practical Utility ◽

Service Staff

Aims and MethodTo evaluate the practical utility and face validity of a new risk assessment guideline, the Short-Term Assessment of Risk and Treatability (START), within a forensic mental health service. Staff attended training and subsequently used the START to assess and formulate risk. Staff then completed an evaluation questionnaire about their experiences of using the START.ResultsThe study proved useful in evaluating the practical utility and face validity of the START. the START demonstrated both good practical utility and face validity. Areas of difficulty in completing the START were identified and areas for developing the START were highlighted.Clinical ImplicationsThe service subsequently implemented a revised version of the START into routine practice. the results of the pilot study suggest that the START can usefully assist in structuring risk judgements in practice.

Download Full-text

Factors affecting the practice of seclusion in an acute mental health service in Southland, New Zealand

The Psychiatrist ◽

10.1192/pb.bp.111.035790 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 36 (6) ◽

pp. 214-218 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Stephen Tyrer ◽

Jay Beckley ◽

Digvijay Goel ◽

Brian Dennis ◽

Brenda Martin

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

New Zealand ◽

Mental Health Service ◽

Health Service ◽

Demographic Data ◽

Psychiatric Ward ◽

Clinical Implications ◽

Duration Of Treatment ◽

Factors Affecting ◽

Factors Associated

Aims and methodThis study examined the frequency of seclusion intervention and factors associated with its use in the acute general adult psychiatric ward serving the Southland area of New Zealand. Details of the use of seclusion and relevant demographic data were collected over a 12-month period in 2007–2008.ResultsDuring the study period there were 30 seclusion episodes involving 23 patients. The median duration of seclusion was 17 hours. The duration of seclusion was found to be inversely related to the treatment received during the period of isolation. Most patients under seclusion had a diagnosis of psychosis, and the nature of this was directly related to the Mental Health Act order applied.Clinical implicationsThe duration of seclusion in this study is long but compares with a similar study from elsewhere in New Zealand. The duration of treatment while in seclusion could be reduced if optimal treatment is given.

Download Full-text

Paediatric liaison service

Psychiatric Bulletin ◽

10.1192/pb.23.9.528 ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 23 (9) ◽

pp. 528-530 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Jennie Black ◽

Barry Wright ◽

Christine Williams ◽

Rob Smith

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Service ◽

Health Service ◽

Adolescent Mental Health ◽

Child And Adolescent ◽

Clinical Implications ◽

Attendance Rates ◽

Referral Rates ◽

Adolescent Mental Health Service ◽

Set Up

Aims and methodTo discuss the working of a new paediatric liaison service. To review paediatric referrals to a child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) 21 months before and 21 months after the establishment of this service.ResultsOne hundred and eighty-three children were discussed in the 21 months after the new service was set up. There was a rise in referral to CAMHS from 72 to 120. Non-attendance rates from paediatric referrals also rose. Likely reasons for these changes are discussed, and include an increase in referrals of children with somatisation.Clinical implicationsInterdisciplinary liaison appears to carry many advantages, but is likely to increase referral rates to the CAMHS. This has both clinical and resource implications.

Download Full-text