Clinical effectiveness of drop-in mental health services in paediatric healthcare settings: a non-randomised multi-site study for children, young people and their families.

Roach, A.; Bennett, S.; Heyman, I.; Coughtrey, A.; Batura, N.; Gonzalez, L.; Astle, N.; Coates, R.; Drinkwater, J.; Evans, R.; Frederick, U.; Groszmann, M.; Jones, S.; McDonnell, K.; Marley, S.; Mobley, A.; Murray, A.; O'Sullivan, H.; Ormrod, S.; Patel, N.; Prendegast, T.; Rajalingam, U.; Reddy, V.; Solebo, AL.; Stokes, I.; Webster, E.; Webster, R.; Vinton, G.; Shafran, R.

Clinical effectiveness of drop-in mental health services in paediatric healthcare settings: a non-randomised multi-site study for children, young people and their families.

All Authors

Roach, A.

Bennett, S.

Heyman, I.

Coughtrey, A.

Batura, N.

Gonzalez, L.

Astle, N.

Coates, R.

Drinkwater, J.

Evans, R.

Show 10 more

LTHT Author

Coates, Rebekah
Marley, Sarah
Mobley, Amanda

LTHT Department

Leeds Children's Hospital
Paediatric Psychology

Non Medic

Psychologist
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Psychologist

Publication Date

2025

Item Type

Clinical Trial
Journal Article
Multicenter Study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite the high prevalence of mental health disorders in children and young people with long-term health conditions, access to timely and effective treatment is often difficult. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of drop-in mental health services for young people with long-term health conditions and their families at six paediatric healthcare settings in England. METHODS: This was a prospective non-randomised single-arm multi-centre interventional study. Young people up to 25 years old with a long-term health condition, and their families were eligible. The primary outcome was the change in the total difficulties score on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire between baseline and 6 months. Interventions provided were standard evidence-based low intensity cognitive-behaviour therapy, onward referral or signposting. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, depression, anxiety, satisfaction with services and cost. RESULTS: Accessing the drop-in services led to significant reductions in emotional and behavioural symptoms (p < 0.01; Cohen's d = 0.39) and improved quality of life (p < 0.01; Cohen's d = 0.44). Parental depression and anxiety significantly improved (p < 0.01; Cohen's d = 0.30 and d = 0.34). The average waiting time for an initial assessment was 13.42 days. High levels of satisfaction were reported. The cost per patient was approximately half the estimated cost of a typical course of psychological therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Drop-in mental health services are effective and acceptable and can be delivered at low cost per patient for young people with long term conditions. This model of care is a feasible approach for increasing access to evidence-based mental health treatment in paediatric healthcare settings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN15063954, Registered on 9 December 2022.