Caroline Richard1, Céline Poissant, Michel Gil. 1. Service de surveillance, recherche et évaluation, Direction de santé publique, Agence de la santé et des services sociaux de Lanaudière, Joliette, Québec.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The province of Quebec has initiated a vast reform of youth mental health services. This article aims at evaluating the first year of the implementation of first-line services in Lanaudière's two local service networks. METHODOLOGY: A formative and participatory qualitative evaluation was carried out. Data collection was led by 32 key individuals who were engaged in the implementation of these services or who were involved in the decision-making process. Five semi-directed group interviews were carried out with the committees and teams concerned. The information collected is the object of a descriptive, qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The implementation of first-line services in youth mental health in the Lanaudière region has caused partners to mobilize. This fact was identified by the group as a positive element of the establishment of these services. The decision to go ahead with the implementation of these services in spite of a lack of child and adolescent psychiatrists has strengthened these individuals' determination. On the other hand, the implementation of these services has been impeded by the lack of human resources, insufficient doctors, and difficulties with the integration of first-line services and child and adolescent psychiatry. CONCLUSION: Despite certain difficulties and differences between the local service networks in the implementation of first-line services in youth mental health, the establishment of these services seems to have caused an evolution in the institutional and clinical culture in Lanaudière.
OBJECTIVE: The province of Quebec has initiated a vast reform of youth mental health services. This article aims at evaluating the first year of the implementation of first-line services in Lanaudière's two local service networks. METHODOLOGY: A formative and participatory qualitative evaluation was carried out. Data collection was led by 32 key individuals who were engaged in the implementation of these services or who were involved in the decision-making process. Five semi-directed group interviews were carried out with the committees and teams concerned. The information collected is the object of a descriptive, qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The implementation of first-line services in youth mental health in the Lanaudière region has caused partners to mobilize. This fact was identified by the group as a positive element of the establishment of these services. The decision to go ahead with the implementation of these services in spite of a lack of child and adolescent psychiatrists has strengthened these individuals' determination. On the other hand, the implementation of these services has been impeded by the lack of human resources, insufficient doctors, and difficulties with the integration of first-line services and child and adolescent psychiatry. CONCLUSION: Despite certain difficulties and differences between the local service networks in the implementation of first-line services in youth mental health, the establishment of these services seems to have caused an evolution in the institutional and clinical culture in Lanaudière.