2 Mental Health Presentations and Referral Appointment Outcomes at a School Based Health Centre Program

Abstract

BACKGROUND: According to WHO, mental health conditions are one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. In Ontario, 20% of children have a mental health condition. Growing evidence demonstrates that early intervention improves a child's ability to function, prevents illness from worsening, and reduces morbidity and mortality. However, many parents face barriers including long wait times, accessibility issues and not knowing where to seek out help. In an effort to remedy this problem, The Model Schools Pediatric Health Initiative was established to open School Based Health Centres (SBHCs) in inner-city elementary schools. Students with health concerns, including mental health, can be referred to the SBHC by school staff or caregivers. Each SBHC is staffed by family doctors and developmental and general pediatricians who assess students and arrange for interventions and follow-up. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to 1) examine the characteristics of children presenting with mental health conditions to the SBHCs, with a focus on demographics and reason for choosing the SBHC and 2) review the referrals made by the SBHCs and assess attendance rate. DESIGN/METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted, specifically examining a cohort of children who presented with a mental health concern(s) to SBHCs. Study data was collected from September 2012 to August 2016 and included all consented children enrolled in the clinics. Frequencies and means were used to summarize outcomes. RESULTS: 270 (28%) of 979 SBHC patients presented with a mental health concern, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, psychosocial trauma and emotional dysregulation. 85% of referrals were initiated by a teacher. The average age at presentation was 7.5 years old. A significant majority of patients and their families were immigrants to Canada. 63% of patients had an annual family income of