Jane Son1,2, Deborah Debono3, Robert Leitner1, Rhoshel Lenroot4,5, Julie Johnson6. 1. Kogarah Developmental Assessment Service, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 2. School of Women's and Childen's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 3. Centre for Health Services Management, University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 4. School of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. 5. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States. 6. Center for Healthcare Studies, Feinberg Schools of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States.
Abstract
AIM: Youth with both intellectual disability (ID) and mental health (MH) disorders (dual diagnosis) have complex physical and MH needs that can make providing integrated care for this complex group challenging. We conducted a mixed methods needs assessment to identify gaps and challenges in care delivery, identify bridges for these and identify what works well in existing services. METHODS: Our research team recruited service providers (n = 126) caring for youth aged 14-24 years with a dual diagnosis in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region of New South Wales, Australia, to participate in focus group interviews. Data were transcribed and analysed thematically. RESULTS: We identified six themes related to caring for youth with dual diagnosis in regional areas: access to services and information about services, communication between service providers and with clients and carers, the divide between MH and ID, early intervention and health promotion, capacity building of service providers and capacity building of clients and carers. Across these themes, service providers highlighted the transition from child to adult services as a particularly challenging time for clients, families and carers. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest several approaches to break down silos and to facilitate collaboration between current services for youth with a dual diagnosis, including increasing specialised ID/MH services and building the capacity of current disability and MH service providers. Our results provide important information to provide quality and integrated care for youth with complex health needs.
AIM: Youth with both intellectual disability (ID) and mental health (MH) disorders (dual diagnosis) have complex physical and MH needs that can make providing integrated care for this complex group challenging. We conducted a mixed methods needs assessment to identify gaps and challenges in care delivery, identify bridges for these and identify what works well in existing services. METHODS: Our research team recruited service providers (n = 126) caring for youth aged 14-24 years with a dual diagnosis in the Illawarra Shoalhaven region of New South Wales, Australia, to participate in focus group interviews. Data were transcribed and analysed thematically. RESULTS: We identified six themes related to caring for youth with dual diagnosis in regional areas: access to services and information about services, communication between service providers and with clients and carers, the divide between MH and ID, early intervention and health promotion, capacity building of service providers and capacity building of clients and carers. Across these themes, service providers highlighted the transition from child to adult services as a particularly challenging time for clients, families and carers. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest several approaches to break down silos and to facilitate collaboration between current services for youth with a dual diagnosis, including increasing specialised ID/MH services and building the capacity of current disability and MH service providers. Our results provide important information to provide quality and integrated care for youth with complex health needs.