New resources are set to improve admissions to mental health units for young people and their families

The ‘Far Away from Home’ study, led by Kapil Sayal, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Nottingham, and Honorary Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, investigated the impact of an out-of-area Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) inpatient admission on young people, parents and carers and services.

A key finding in the study was the inconsistent or lack of easily accessible online information about inpatient units. In response, the NIHR ARC East Midlands and members of the ‘Far Away from Home’ team have created a new guidance booklet to help inpatient units provide clear information online to help young people, families, and clinicians understand what to expect during a CAMHS inpatient admission.

The new guidance and a short video to accompany it will be officially launched during a webinar on Tuesday, November 4, between midday and 1pm on Zoom. The event is for young people and their families, healthcare professionals, service providers, researchers and academics interested in adolescent mental health, policymakers and commissioners and advocacy and support organisations.

Professor Sayal said: “The availability of beds in mental health units varies considerably across the UK which means finding a bed can be challenging. As a result, many young people are admitted to units far from their home.

“Our study looked at the impacts of being admitted into units 50 miles or more away from home on young people aged under 18 and their parents or carers. It found that the admission experience could be improved for young people and their families if they have easily accessible information in advance, so the launch of this new guidance booklet is greatly welcomed.”

The ‘Standardised information for CAMHS inpatient units’ guidance booklet, which has been developed with input and support from parents and young users of CAMHS services, advises inpatient units to provide clear information on topics such as how to get ready for admission, what daily life is like on the ward, visiting arrangements, and where to find support.

It recommends that units provide honest, jargon-free answers to common questions, contact details, local area information, and links to advocacy and support services.

Professor Kamlesh Khunti, Director of NIHR ARC East Midlands, said: “Adolescence is a time when many young people struggle with their mental health. For those with severe mental health problems if things become too complex or unsafe for them in their daily surroundings the decision is made that an admission to a mental health unit is needed.

“Young people and their families feel more reassured about an admission when they can access information in advance.

“This new guidance is designed to help inpatient units provide trustworthy, easy-to-understand information that will help everyone feel more prepared and confident. This is important because making a good start to this journey can influence how young people and their families feel about going into hospital.

“The guidance will also help inpatient units to provide information that will aid clinicians when they are making decisions about which unit is best for the young person in their care.”

The ‘Far Away from Home’ study was funded and carried out by five NIHR  ARCs – East Midlands, East of England, Greater Manchester, Oxford & Thames Valley and West Midlands.

The online launch of the new resources in November will include an engaging session where attendees can learn about the new guidance booklet and how it supports care and practice.

There will also be opportunities to hear from lived experience contributors and expert speakers, participate in a live Q&A with researchers and connect with peers across the mental health community. 

For further information about the resources – which includes 'Knowing Where you are Going' guidance and the 'Far Away from Home' checklist – visit https://tinyurl.com/bdcwjr7d

To register for the launch of the ‘Standardised information for CAMHS inpatient units’ guidance, visit https://tinyurl.com/sddh48n2