Clinical Effectiveness of Drop-in Mental Health Services at Paediatric Hospitals: A Non-randomised Multi-site Study for Children and Young People and Their Families - Study Protocol

Overview

Journal PLoS One

Specialties General Medicine
Science

Date 2024 May 9

PMID 38722844

Authors

Anna Roach

Sophie Bennett

Isobel Heyman

Anna Coughtrey

Isabella Stokes

Xhorxhina Ndoci

Sonia Balakrishnan

Nicki Astle

Jessie Drinkwater

Rebecca Evans

Una Frederick

Michael Groszmann

Steve Jones

Katie McDonnell

Amanda Mobley

Abbie Murray

Helena OSullivan

Sarah Ormrod

Theodore Prendegast

Usha Rajalingam

Emily Webster

Rebecca Webster

Gareth Vinton

Roz Shafran

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Despite the high prevalence of mental health difficulties in children and young people with long-term health conditions (LTCs), these difficulties and experiences are often overlooked and untreated. Previous research demonstrated the effectiveness of psychological support provided via a drop-in mental health centre located in a paediatric hospital. The aim of this prospective non-randomised single-arm multi-centre interventional study is to determine the clinical effectiveness of drop-in mental health services when implemented at paediatric hospitals in England.

Methods: It is hypothesised that families who receive psychological interventions through the drop-in services will show improved emotional and behavioural symptoms. Outcomes will be measured at baseline and at 6-month follow-up. The primary outcome is the difference in the total difficulties score on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) reported by parent or child at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include self and parent reported Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), self-reported depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety measures (GAD-7) and family satisfaction (CSQ-8).

Discussion: This trial aims to determine the clinical effectiveness of providing psychological support in the context of LTCs through drop-in mental health services at paediatric hospitals in England. These findings will contribute to policies and practice addressing mental health needs in children and young people with other long-term health conditions.

Trial Registration: ISRCTN15063954, Registered on 9 December 2022.

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