Improving quality of a rural CAMHS service using the Choice and Partnership Approach

Abstract

Objective:

This study outlines the service issues and adjustments associated with the implementation of Choice and Partnership Approach (CAPA) into a rural Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS).

Method:

A mixed-methods approach examined the impacts of the CAPA implementation. A qualitative review of the minutes from team and implementation group meetings illustrated themes according to 11 key CAPA components. Quantitative internal audit data illustrated waiting list times.

Results:

Findings showed that inclusive language has replaced the traditional, pathology-driven psychiatric discourse, though this has been met with mixed response from CAMHS clinicians, service users and referrers. Data also showed that a waiting list for clinician allocation has been eliminated, and the waiting time between the referral date and the first face-to-face contact has decreased from 63.9 days to 10.7 days.

Conclusion:

A modified CAPA Choice appointment system has allowed quick access without a waiting list, in line with government guidelines. A full-booking system and focussed, goal-oriented interventions has led to lower caseloads and optimum use of CAMHS clinician skillsets.

Keywords

Choice and Partnership Approach CAPA waiting list implementation CAMHS

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Sawyer

Arney

Baghurst

. The mental health of young people in Australia: Key findings from the child and adolescent component of the national survey of mental health and well-being. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2001; 35: 806–814.

Smith

Hadorn

. Lining up for children’s mental health services: A tool for prioritizing waiting lists. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2002; 41: 367–376.

Kowalewski

McLennan

McGrath

. A preliminary investigation of wait times for child and adolescent mental health services in Canada. J Can Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2011; 20: 112–119.

Robotham

James

Cyhlarova

. Managing demand and capacity within child and adolescent mental health services: An evaluation of the choice and partnership approach. Ment Health Rev (Brighton) 2010; 15: 22–30.

York

Kingsbury

. The choice and partnership approach: A guide to CAPA. United Kingdom: Caric Press Ltd., 2009.

Kingsbury

. Creating effective child and adolescent mental health services, https://dx-doi-org.web.bisu.edu.cn/10.1016/j.neurenf.2012.05.492 (2012, accessed 14 February 2014).

The Mental Health Foundation. Evaluation of the Choice and Partnership Approach in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service in England, http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/content/assets/PDF/publications/CAPA_PDF.pdf?view=Standard (2009, accessed 5 February 2014).

York

Kingsbury

. The Choice and Partnership Approach: A service transformation model. United Kingdom: Short Run Press, 2013.

Mindful Centre for Training and Research in Developmental Health. (2011). Developmental Psychiatry Course, http://www.mindful.org.au/Post-Grad-Courses/Developmental-Psychiatry-Course.aspx (2011, accessed 17 October 2014).

10.

Mindful Centre for Training and Research in Developmental Health, Autism Spectrum Disorders http://www.mindful.org.au/Events/Autism-Training.aspx (2011, accessed 17 October 2014).

11.

Chugg

. Managed networks and integrated children’s services – case study of Devon. Journal of Integrated Care 2009; 17: 37–45.

12.

Department of Human Services. (2006). CAMHS in communities: Working together to provide mental health care for Victoria’s children and young people, http://health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth/camhs/camhsrep0906.pdf (2006, accessed 3 February 2015).