TRANSITIONAL CARE INITIATIVE WITHIN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES IN QATAR: DESCRIPTION AND EVALUATION OF AN INNOVATIVE CARE MODEL

Abstract

The importance of effective health care transitioning of young people from adolescent to adult health services is well established in general and within mental health services in particular. There is no previous literature focusing on the implementation of the transitional care model within mental health services in the Arabian Gulf region. We outline details of how the international best practice of effective transitioning of young people from Child and Adolescent to Adult mental health services was adopted and implemented in the State of Qatar. The impact of this crucial initiative on patient care and service delivery is also explained.