The Impact of a Digital Referral Platform to Improve Access to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: A Prospective Observational Study with Real-World Data.

Publisher: MDPI Country of Publication: Switzerland NLM ID: 101238455 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1660-4601 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 16604601 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Int J Environ Res Public Health Subsets: MEDLINE

Original Publication: Basel : MDPI, c2004-

Mental Health Services*/organization & administration ; Referral and Consultation*/statistics & numerical data ; Health Services Accessibility*/statistics & numerical data; Humans ; Adolescent ; Child ; Prospective Studies ; Adolescent Health Services/statistics & numerical data ; Male ; Female ; Child Health Services ; England ; Waiting Lists ; COVID-19

(1) Background: In the UK, mental health needs for children and young people (CYP) are rising, whilst access to care is declining, particularly in the North of England and post-COVID-19. However, Health Information Technologies (HITs) can simplify access to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), reduce waiting times, and provide anonymous support and reliable information. (2) Methods: A single-centre prospective observational study examined the impact of "CYP as One"-a digital referral point to CAMHS-on waiting times and referral rejection rates. (3) Results: Waiting times during the first 12 months of "CYP as One" implementation were compared to the 12 months prior using non-parametric tests. "CYP as One" demonstrated an increase of 1314 referrals, with self-referrals rising by 71%. Initial implementation showed an increase in waiting times by 16.13 days (53.89 days) compared to pre-implementation (37.76 days) ( p < 0.001). However, months 10 (M = 16.18, p < 0.001), 11 (M = 17.45, p < 0.001), and 12 (M = 31.45, p < 0.001) implementation showed reduced waiting times. Rejection rates rose due to a 108% increase in referral volume. "CYP as One" improved access and reduced waiting times after the initial phase. (4) Conclusions: Further research is needed to assess its long-term impact and cost-effectiveness, particularly regarding specific mental health conditions and staff time.

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NIHR203845 National Institute of Health Research

Keywords: child and adolescent mental health services; children and young people; electronic referrals; mental health; real-world data

Date Created: 20241026 Date Completed: 20241026 Latest Revision: 20241028

20241028

PMC11506971

10.3390/ijerph21101318

39457291