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Abstract
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The transition from child to adult mental health services (CAMHS to AMHS) presents significant challenges, often leading to disrupted care for young people during a vulnerable life phase marked by high risk for severe mental disorders. This study explores and aims to enhance the transition process from adolescence to adulthood in the Danish Mental Health Services as part of the EU Interreg “Child to Adult Transitions” research project (CAT), which is an interdisciplinary study dedicated to studying the transition experiences of young patients undergoing psychiatric or rheumatological treatment in selected regions of Germany and Denmark. In short, the initiative focuses on improving collaboration between Child and Adolescent and Adult departments to ensure personalized, well-coordinated care through the following methods:
1: Qualitative interviews with young patients, caregivers, and staff to understand experiences, unmet needs, and suggestions for improvement.
2. Longitudinal survey of transition outcomes tracking general health, social functioning, treatment compliance, transition readiness, etc. among 500 youths through standardized measures at 0, 6, and 12 months post-transition.
3. Implementation of improved actionable transition measures in the form of transition teams, designated transition staff in local clinics, and workshops to address structural gaps in current transition procedures.
Preliminary findings indicate systemic barriers and a need for structured support during this critical period. The CAT project aims to develop concrete solutions, including assigning local transition ambassadors, strengthening peer involvement, and offering tailored workshops, to minimize the risk of transition failure. Cross-cultural insights from Denmark and Germany will inform international best practices.
This poster presentation discusses early outcomes, implementation challenges, and the potential benefits of improved transition processes, offering an innovative framework for supporting young people transitioning from child and adolescent mental health services.
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