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

Rafaela Neiva Ganga, Kristof Santa (), Mustafa Ali and Grahame Smith
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Rafaela Neiva Ganga: Liverpool Business School, Faculty of Business and Law, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L1 2TZ, UK
Kristof Santa: School of Nursing and Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L2 2ER, UK
Grahame Smith: School of Nursing and Allied Health, Faculty of Health, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L2 2ER, UK

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 10, 1-14

Abstract: (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.

Keywords: mental health; children and young people; electronic referrals; real-world data; child and adolescent mental health services (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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