Giulia Signorini1, Giovanni de Girolamo1; 1Saint John of God Clinical Research Center, Brescia, Italy
The current service configuration, with distinct Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) and Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS), is considered a weak link where the care pathway needs to be most robust and a major socioeconomic and societal challenge. In the framework of the MILESTONE project this study aims to map current services and transitional policies across Europe, highlighting current gaps and the need for innovation in care provision. An online mapping survey was directed at expert(s) in each of the 28 EU countries. The survey systematically collected data about CAMHS organization and characteristics, with a specific focus on actual national transition policies and practice. The characteristics and activities of CAMHS (ie, availability of services, inpatient beds, clinicians and organisations, delivery of specific CAMHS services and treatments) varied considerably between countries, as did funding sources and user access. Between 25 and 49% of CAMHS service users will need transitioning to AMHS, whereas 20–30% of AMHS users aged under 30 years had previous contact with CAMHS. Written policies for managing the interface were available in only four countries and half (14/28) indicated that no transition support services were available. This survey provides important information for the evaluation and planning of CAMHS in Europe, highlighting important areas of concern in service planning, availability of standardised outcome assessment, stakeholders’ involvement, interdisciplinary CAMHS and adult mental health care provision. The heterogeneity in resource allocation did not seem to match epidemiological burden. Policymaking on transitional care clearly needs special attention and further elaboration.
