title: 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).
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: Doctoral Candidate, School of Rural Health, Monash University Department of Rural and Indigenous Health, Churchill, VIC, and; Specialist Intake Clinician, CAMHS, Latrobe Regional Hospital, Traralgon, VIC, Australia jnaughton@lrh.com.au.
authors.forename: Jonine
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Naughton
authors.affiliation: Adjunct Senior Lecturer, School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University, Churchill, VIC, and; Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, CAMHS, Latrobe Regional Hospital, Traralgon, VIC, Australia.
authors.forename: Soumya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Basu
authors.affiliation: CAMHS Manager, CAMHS, Latrobe Regional Hospital, Traralgon, VIC, Australia.
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: O'Dowd
authors.affiliation: Senior Research Fellow, School of Rural Health - Churchill, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Churchill, VIC, Australia.
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Carroll
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor and Director, School of Rural Health - Monash University Department of Rural and Indigenous Health, Moe, VIC, Australia.
authors.forename: Darryl
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Maybery
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D016497:Adolescent Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D002648:Child; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D036301:Qualitative Research; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000592:standards; D014739:Victoria
keywords: CAMHS; CAPA; Choice and Partnership Approach; implementation; waiting list