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European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

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01-10-2008 | ORIGINAL CONTRIBUTION

Priority criteria tool for elective specialist level adolescent psychiatric care predicts treatment received

Authors: I. Isojoki, S. Fröjd, MSc, P. Rantanen, MD, E. Laukkanen, MD, P. Närhi, MD, R. Kaltiala-Heino, MD

Published in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry | Issue 7/2008

Abstract

Background

Little validation data has so far been published on scoring systems and the literature on prioritization in psychiatry is especially meagre.

Objective

To explore if the priority criteria score for elective specialist level adolescent psychiatric care in Finland is associated with treatment received and whether the association between the priority criteria scores and treatment given is similar among different subgroups.

Methods

Adolescents currently in treatment contact in three adolescent psychiatric outpatient clinics (n = 450) were rated according to the criteria of the priority rating tool for specialist level adolescent psychiatric care and information about adolescent’s age, sex, diagnosis, and treatments was gathered using a structured form.

Results

When sex, age and psychiatric diagnosis were controlled for, the likelihood of receiving specific therapies and medications was significantly associated with the highest priority scores. Except for very frequent individual therapy, there were no differences in the probability of receiving any psychosocial treatment or medication between the sexes. Receiving individual therapy, lengthy treatment contacts and medications were more frequent among older adolescents. The rating tool worked best among adolescents with affective or anxious disorders and worst among those with conduct disorders.

Conclusion

The present study indicates that the structured tool used in Finland, originally modified from a Canadian priority rating tool for child and adolescent psychiatry, is able to identify adolescents requiring specified, multiple and lengthy treatments, indicating a need for specialist level services. The scoring system tested is a good candidate for a transparent prioritization tool for European adolescent psychiatric services.

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Title: Priority criteria tool for elective specialist level adolescent psychiatric care predicts treatment received
Authors: I. Isojoki
S. Fröjd, MSc
P. Rantanen, MD
E. Laukkanen, MD
P. Närhi, MD
R. Kaltiala-Heino, MD
Publication date: 01-10-2008
Publisher: D. Steinkopff-Verlag
Published in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry / Issue 7/2008
Print ISSN: 1018-8827
Electronic ISSN: 1435-165X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-008-0674-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Priority criteria tool for elective specialist level adolescent psychiatric care predicts treatment received

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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