Full record(s)

Record no:

1 of 1

Author:

MICHELSON Daniel; et al.;

Title:

Improving psychiatric diagnosis in multidisciplinary child and adolescent mental health services.

Reference:

Psychiatrist, 35(12), December 2011, pp.454-459.

ISSN paper:

1758-3209

ISSN online:

1758-3217

Abstract:

Obtaining an accurate clinic diagnosis is a critical process in mental healthcare pathways. This study was designed to develop and test a new one-day diagnostic training intervention for multidisciplinary practitioners (n=63) in out-patient child and adolescent mental health services. The authors examined learning outcomes, practice impacts and the implementation processes. The work was conducted in an inner London area where previous audits had revealed large inconsistencies in rates of recorded diagnoses. Training was viewed positively by most participants and was associated with significant increases in practitioner self-efficacy; this effect was sustained at 8-month follow-up. A comparative audit before and after training indicated that clinicians were significantly more likely to assign an Axis I diagnosis following the training intervention. However, absolute rates of Axis I classification remained relatively low (less than 40%) both before and after training. Practitioners were moderately successful at following through on personal plans for implementing new learning. Support for implementation within teams was inconsistent. The authors conclude that a brief training workshop may have some impact on practitioners’ behaviour so that diagnoses are made more promptly and appropriately recorded. However, they suggest that future workforce development initiatives should consider more comprehensive and diversified strategies, including targeted post-training support, if increased self-efficacy following training is to be translated into sustained changes in diagnostic practice.

Journal home:

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Format:

article;

Topics:

child and adolescent mental health services; diagnosis; mental health problems; training;

Content Type:

research;

Country/Region:

England;

Record ID:

www.scie-socialcareonline.org.uk/profile.asp?guid=f43690ea-d217-4ee9-89b3-2b5dcb98341f