AT A CROSSROADS: DEVELOPMENT OF A CL PSYCHIATRY CLINIC FOR PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS WITH ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY

Abstract

Background: Acquired brain injuries (ABI) in children and adolescents arise from multiple causes including trauma, infection, stroke, and malignancy (AIHW, 2007). They are a leading cause of chronic disability, with sequelae arising over the course of development. Mental health (MH) difficulties are common, occurring in 33-63% of children with ABI (Hendry et al., 2020; Luis and Mittenberg, 2002; Max et al., 2012); however, accessing timely and appropriate MH care for such young people is challenging. Objectives: The Queensland Paediatric Rehabilitation Service (QPRS) sought to improve the management of MH in young people with ABI, and collaborate across specialties to increase knowledge and competence in the management of ABI and MH. Methods: The QPRS was awarded a grant from the Children's Hospital Foundation to add 5 hours/fortnight of psychiatry consultation to existing rehabilitation clinics. This clinic ran from October 2021 to June 2022, and education was also delivered within paediatrics and psychiatry. Formal evaluation of patient and family measures and clinician surveys was undertaken. Findings: Parents noted improvements in young people's aggression levels, trends towards improvements in emotional and behavioural well-being, and a decline in their own levels of stress. For staff, there were improvements in well-being, and self-reported knowledge and confidence in managing young people with ABI and MH comorbidities. Conclusion: This pilot clinic for young people with ABI and MH comorbidities provides a successful model for the integration of psychiatry consultation into the rehabilitation multidisciplinary team.