Emerging integrated care models for children and youth with mental health difficulties in Norway: a horizon scanning study

0Citations
Citations of this article
15Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

This article is free to access.

Abstract

Background: The implementation of Integrated Care Models (ICMs) represents a strategy for addressing the increasing issues of system fragmentation and improving service customization according to user needs. Available ICMs have been developed for adult populations, and less is known about ICMs specifically designed for children and youth. The study objective was to summarize and assess emerging ICMs for mental health services targeting children and youth in Norway. Methods: A horizon scanning study was conducted in the field of child and youth mental health. The study encompassed two key components: (i) the identification of ICMs through a review of both scientific and grey literature, as well as input from key informants, and (ii) the evaluation of selected ICMs using semi-structured interviews with key informants. The aim of the interviews was to identify factors that either promote or hinder the successful implementation or scale up of these ICMs. Results: Fourteen ICMs were chosen for analysis. These models encompassed a range of treatment philosophies, spanning from self-care and community care to specialized care. Several models placed emphasis on the referral process, prioritizing low-threshold access, and incorporating other sectors such as housing and child welfare. Four of the selected models included family or parents in their target group and five models extended their services to children and youth beyond the legal age of majority. Nine experts in the field willingly participated in the interview phase of the study. Identified challenges and facilitating factors associated with implementation or scale up of ICMs were related to the Norwegian healthcare system, mental health care delivery, as well as child and youth specific factors. Conclusion: Care delivery targeting children and youth’s mental health requires further adaptation to accommodate the intricate nature of their lives. ICMs have been identified as a means to address this complexity by offering accessible services and adopting a holistic approach. This study highlights a selection of promising ICMs that appear capable of meeting some of the specific needs of children and youth. However, it is recommended to subject these models to further assessment and refinement to ensure their effectiveness and the fulfilment of their intended outcomes.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Holmen, I. C., Waibel, S., & Kaarboe, O. (2023). Emerging integrated care models for children and youth with mental health difficulties in Norway: a horizon scanning study. BMC Health Services Research, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-023-09858-x

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free