Assessing the experiences of care of children and young people in mental distress in acute care settings: a survey

Abstract

To date, literature may not be fully representative of the views of all children and young people experiencing mental ill health concerning their experience of attending an acute care setting with mental distress. Research highlights opinions of children and young people known to community mental health services; however, it is estimated that 65–75% of children and young people experience mental health problems are undiagnosed and untreated ( Care Quality Commission, 2018 ). The aim of this study was to compare experiences of patients presenting to emergency settings both known (group 1) and unknown (group 2) to community mental health services. A survey was distributed to children and young people experiencing mental distress. Survey responses were categorised into two patient groups: participants known to community children and adolescent mental health services and accessing support (group 1) and those not currently known or receiving support from any children and adolescent mental health services (group 2). Responses were categorised into ‘environment rating’, ‘nurse rating’ and overall ‘acute care rating’. Disparities were identified between groups 1 and 2. Group 1 had negative acute care ratings, mainly resulting from environmental factors. Both groups reported negatively when nurses spoke to parents or carers instead of the young person themselves. Further research is needed into experiences of children and young people not meeting criteria for community mental health support, as there is a data gap. Paediatric nurses must directly communicate with children and young people experiencing mental distress, rather than speaking to parents or carers.