Young people who have fallen through the mental health transition gap: a qualitative study on primary care support

Journal article

Background: The increasing prevalence of mental health disorders among adolescents highlights the importance of early identification and intervention. Artemis-A is a web-based application of computerised adaptive testing (CAT), originally developed for secondary schools, to quickly and efficiently assess students’ mental health. Due to its speed, reliability and accessibility, it may be a valuable tool for healthcare practitioners (HCPs) working with children and young people (CYP) in primary, community and potentially secondary care settings in the future. Objective: To explore whether Artemis-A would be a useful, feasible and acceptable tool for HCPs working in primary and community care settings to identify CYP’s mental health difficulties. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 HCPs: 5 general practitioners, 5 Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) staff, 5 school nurses and 5 community paediatricians. Data were analysed using the Framework approach. Findings: HCPs reported that Artemis-A has the potential to enhance mental health assessment and aid overburdened services by providing a quick, patient-centred assessment and monitoring mechanism. Benefits of the app include facilitating earlier intervention and appropriate referrals. However, some concerns emerged about safety netting and the way Artemis-A presents its information. Responsibilities for ensuring care continuity also require careful clarification. Conclusions: With proper protocols and integration, Artemis-A could prove valuable in supporting HCPs to promptly detect mental health issues in CYP. Further research into optimal implementation is warranted. Clinical implications: If paired with effective evidence-based interventions, the implementation of Artemis-A could help manage escalating demands in CAMHS

Authors: Appleton, R; Loew, J; Mughal, F

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Royal College of General Practitioners
• Journal: British Journal of General Practice
• Volume: 72
• Issue: 719
• Pages: e413-e420
• Publication date: 2022-03-24
• DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2021.0678
• EISSN: 1478-5242
• ISSN: 0960-1643
• Language: English
• Keywords: Primary care; Thematic analysis; Psychiatry; Family medicine; Medicine; Nursing; Anxiety; Sociology; Narrative; Qualitative research; Mental health