The effect of organisational resources and eligibility issues on transition from child and adolescent to adult mental health services.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the organisational factors that impede or facilitate transition of young people from child and adolescent (CAMHS) to adult mental health services (AMHS).


METHODS
Thirty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted with health and social care professionals working in child and adult services in four English NHS Mental Health Trusts and voluntary organisations. Data were analysed thematically using a structured framework.


RESULTS
Findings revealed a lack of clarity on service availability and the operation of different eligibility criteria between child and adult mental health services, with variable service provision for young people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders and learning disabilities. High workloads and staff shortages were perceived to influence service thresholds and eligibility criteria.


CONCLUSIONS
A mutual lack of understanding of services and structures together with restrictive eligibility criteria exacerbated by perceived lack of resources can impact negatively on the transition between CAMHS and AMHS, disrupting continuity of care for young people.
Research and Evaluation Consultant, Evaluation Works, Bedford, UK.
Ruth
R
Belling
Emeritus Professor, Faculty of Health and Social Care, London South Bank University, London, UK mclaresm@lsbu.ac.uk.
Susan
S
McLaren
Principal Teaching Fellow, Division of Mental Health and Well Being, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, UK.
Moli
M
Paul
Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, UK.
Tamsin
T
Ford
Senior Clinical Research Fellow/Consultant in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK.
Tami
T
Kramer
Senior Lecturer in Mental Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, UK.
Tim
T
Weaver
Research Officer, Department of Childhood, Families and Health, Institute of Education, University of London, UK.
Kimberly
K
Hovish
Senior Research Fellow/Lecturer, LOROS Hospice Care for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, UK.
Zoebia
Z
Islam
Biostatistician, Section of Mental Health, Division of Population Health Sciences and Education, St. George's, University of London, UK.
Sarah
S
White
Professor/Head of Division of Mental Health and Well Being, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, UK.
Swaran P
SP
Singh
resources; transition from child/adolescent to adult mental health services