Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | Mapping associations with scaling down in care for youth with complex needs |
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| Contribution code | D1.035 |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Background/Aims Families with severe and enduring problems often need coordinated support from child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) among other care providers. Flexible, continuous care that adapts to their changing needs is critical, but the process of scaling down from specialized CAP to lower-intensity support remains underexplored. Delays in scaling down often stem from professionals’ concerns about relapse and uncertainties about families' readiness. Despite this, an overview of factors related to scaling down from multiple perspectives is lacking. This study aims to map the views of CAP professionals, first-line care providers, parents, and youth on scaling down. Method Using Group Concept Mapping, a mixed-method approach, this study systematically explored perspectives on scaling down in three phases: brainstorming, sorting, and ranking. Results In total, 49 participants (20 parents/youth, 29 professionals) contributed across phases. Key factors emerged across three levels: at the organizational and policy level (e.g., the need for reduced waiting lists and increased shared responsibility); at the professional level (e.g., maintaining a “pilot light” role – consultative involvement post-discharge); and at the family level (e.g., joint decision-making and building a support network). The sorting and ranking phase assessed these factors by importance and feasibility. Conclusions Scaling down is a multi-level process requiring continuous collaboration between CAP practitioners, families and first-line care providers. Embedding these factors in treatment plans can support youth and families, empowering them as they transition to less intensive care. References Beckers et al., (2018). Potential predictive factors for succesful referral from specialist mental-health services to less intensive treatment: a concept mapping study. PLoS ONE, 13(6). Naert et. al., (2017). Continuity of care in youth services: a systematic review. Children and Youth services review, 75. Nooteboom et al., (2020). Towards integrated youth care a systematic review of facilitators and barriers for professionals. Administration and policy in mental health services research, 48(1). Rosas et al., (2012). Quality and rigor of the concept mapping methodology: A pooled study analysis. Evaluation and Program Planning, 35(2). Trochim et al., (2005). Concept mapping: an introduction to structured conceptualization in health care. International journal of quality in care, 17 (3). |