| Authors |
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Michaela Otis
NIHR ARC Northwest London, Imperial College London
Presenter
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Sofia Chantziara
NIHR ARC Northwest London, Imperial College London
Presenter
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Susan Barber
NIHR ARC Northwest London, Imperial College London
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Stuart Green Hofer
NIHR ARC Northwest London, Imperial College London
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Jean Straus
Imperial College
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Michelle Kay
NIHR ARC Northwest London, Imperial College London
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James Porter
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Dasha Nicholls
Imperial College London
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Abstract
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Aim
To describe our approach to evaluating Best for You (BFY) and present initial findings from a day service for young people (YP) needing intensive step-down care and a digital hub providing evidence-based digital interventions for YP.
Methods
Using a realist evaluation approach this mixed-methods study aims to identify contextual factors, uncover mechanisms of action and assess outcomes of interventions across Best for You. Data include observations and interviews of stakeholders including staff, YP and their families.
Results
Initial findings from interviews identified staff as being engaging, attentive and responsive to the needs of YP and their families within the new day service. YP valued arts-based activities that created a sense of enjoyment and an opportunity to distract themselves from their illness. However, when senior clinicians leave, especially if unexpected, the overall direction, and potential experience and impact of the service was affected, despite the best efforts of remaining staff.
Similarly, positive findings from YP who used the digital hub reported that the website was easy to use with valuable, accessible, reassuring and trustworthy content. Respondents also reported using the Best for You website frequently whilst going through emergency hospital treatment. However, staff identified that the website could also be a clinical resource with a repository of service across the system that would allow for improved care navigation.
Conclusions
Positive experiences of YP and their families engaged with some of the BFY services highlights their success. As the evaluation proceeds, we anticipate that clinical effectiveness will be demonstrated.
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