Evaluation of an Intensive Program for Children With Co-occurring Medical and Emotional Disorders

An interdisciplinary intervention for children and adolescents with multiple referrals and complex health complaints: a feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Children and adolescents with complex health complaints are often referred to several different healthcare specialists for assessments and treatment. This may result in fragmented care, higher risks of medical errors, and sub-optimal health outcomes. The aim of this non-controlled open label trial was to evaluate the feasibility of implementing a new interdisciplinary intervention for children and adolescents with multiple referrals and complex health complaints and to gather experiences from participating children, adolescents and parents.

METHODS

In all, 47 children and adolescents aged 6-16 years with multiple referrals at a tertiary hospital were invited to participate. The intervention was a half-day consultation based on a biopsychosocial model. The aim of the intervention was to clarify the child/adolescent's condition(s) and provide a joint understanding and treatment plan in collaboration with the family. A team consisting of a pediatrician, a physiotherapist and a psychologist delivered the intervention. Acceptance and completion rate was recorded, and child- and parent-experience measures were collected; the children and adolescents completed the Visual Consultation and Relational Empathy Scale (CARE) five questions and parents completed two de novo created measures about their experiences.

RESULTS

Almost all invited families consented to participate (96%) and ultimately received the interdisciplinary intervention (92%). Mean age of the children and adolescents was 12 years, and under half were boys (40%). Before the intervention, 39 (91%) parents completed a questionnaire about previous experiences with healthcare. After the consultation 39 children and adolescents (91%) and 40 (93%) parents completed the questionnaire regarding their experience with the interdisciplinary intervention. Of the children and adolescents, 18-30 (47-77%) rated relational empathy in the intervention as "Very good" or "Excellent". Of the parents, 35-39 (92-100%) rated their experience with the consultation using the more positive response options. The parents were significantly more content with the intervention compared to previously received healthcare (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The present intervention was highly acceptable with positively reported experiences from parents of, and children and adolescents with, complex health complaints. A future randomized controlled trial is required to test the effectiveness of this intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04652154 03.12.2020. Retrospectively registered.

Organization of rehabilitation services for youth with physical disabilities and mental health problems: A scoping review

Introduction

Youth with childhood-onset physical disabilities receiving rehabilitation services often present with many complex needs. Emerging evidence confirms co-occurrence of mental health problems in this population is common, and mental health is often overlooked during rehabilitation for chronic physical conditions. For example, symptoms of depression and anxiety are frequently present in adolescents with physical disability such as spina bifida or Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and access to mental health services is often limited. Addressing mental health concerns for this age group is particularly critical as it encompasses a challenging transition to adulthood.

Objectives

Building upon findings from a recent scoping review on the co-occurrence of physical disabilities and mental health problems, this paper synthesizes scientific literature related to the organization and delivery of services for youth with co-occurring childhood-onset physical disabilities (e.g., cerebral palsy, spina bifida) and mental health problems (e.g., depression, anxiety).

Methods

A scoping review protocol stemming from Arksey & O'Malley's framework and updated guidelines from the Joanna Briggs Institute was developed. Four databases (Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase) were searched. The search was limited to French or English peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2021. Articles included were primary papers addressing: 1) youth aged 15 to 24 with a childhood-onset physical disability, 2) mental health problems, and 3) healthcare service organization or delivery. They were screened by two reviewers and discussed with a third to establish consensus on the inclusion criteria and resolve disagreements.

Results

Sixteen articles were retained from the 1,010 screened. Many (9/16) were from the United States. Two models were found: the Biopsychosocial, Collaborative, Agency-Based Service Integration Approach (including psychiatry in a pediatric rehabilitation hospital) and the Client Network Consultation (an interagency collaboration in mental health care for children with complex healthcare needs). Twelve key principles for service organization and delivery were identified and categorized into: collaboration and coordination, training and support, and delivery of care.

Conclusion

Identified principles can guide improved service delivery for this population. Highlighted research gaps include the need for developing models of collaborative healthcare delivery and subsequently evaluating their effectiveness.