G188(P) A survey of community paediatric trainees’ camhs experience

Abstract

AimIt is difficult for Level 3/GRID CCH (Community Child Health) trainees to obtain mental health competencies in the curriculum. With Community Paediatrics facing increasing mental health challenges due to stretched CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) services, the aim of our project was to survey the educational value of CAMHS posts for CCH trainees and ask: ‘Are training posts in CAMHS of benefit?’MethodTwo surveys were hosted on Survey Monkey; one for CCH trainees who had completed a training post in CAMHS and a second for those who had not. The surveys were distributed UK-wide via the BACCH Trainee Group and Regional Coordinators.Results18 CCH trainees who had not done CAMHS, and six who had, completed the survey. Four of the six CAMHS posts were split with community paediatrics. Feedback from these trainees suggested that this limited the educational value of the post. The two trainees who did a full-time CAMHS post rated their experience very highly and recommended the post.Trainees who had experienced CAMHS rated themselves as more confident at assessing for anxiety and depression and in risk-assessing for self-harm and suicide compared to trainees who had not. Average self-ratings for behaviour management, managing ADHD medication and recognising reactions to stress and bereavement were not clearly increased following the CAMHS posts.Of the 18 CCH trainees with no experience in CAMHS, 50% reported that they planned to do a post in CAMHS. Of those who did not, 71% stated it was due to a lack of provision and 28% stated they had no interest in doing so.ConclusionMost CCH trainees in the survey wished to have training in CAMHS and those who have, rated the experience highly. The educational value is limited by split posts. It is, therefore, recommended that deaneries develop full-time training posts for CCH trainees.