To compare the funding, courses and delivery modalities of parenting training delivered across London borough councils, metropolitan district councils, and county councils in England.

Freedom of Information requests were piloted on 5 local authorities. Following optimisation, requests were sent out to 74 local authorities across England requesting information on funding for parenting training programmes (26 London Borough Councils, 16 County Councils, and 29 Metropolitan Borough Councils). 26/32 London Boroughs, 16/21 County Councils, and 29/36 Metropolitan Boroughs were sent requests. No follow-up emails were sent chasing responses; however, clarification was provided where necessary. Data were analysed on Excel to observe patterns and disparities.

We received responses from 74 local authorities, and 50 were usable. The mean amount of funding spent across local authorities was £881,254 (standard deviation 1,627,921). There were 18 parenting programmes used, the most common was Triple-P. The average number of parents supported by parenting programmes per local authority was 949 (standard deviation 1410). Local authorities reported spending an average of £27,430 (standard deviation 41005) on digital parenting programmes. The mean number of parenting staff was 36 (standard deviation 59).

We found wide disparities in spending, staffing, and programme choices representing a fragmented landscape of parenting training provision. Several local authorities could not separate spending on parenting training, and parental engagement was not reported consistently. We recommend more consistent reporting of parental initiation, engagement, and completion of training programmes to ensure equitable access and provision of parenting training nationwide.

People with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) present unique challenges in mental healthcare due to the enduring nature and complexity of their conditions. The study focuses on evaluating the clinical effectiveness and cost implications of a multidisciplinary community psychosocial rehabilitation team catering to individuals with SPMI in Nova Scotia, Canada. The investigation seeks to contribute valuable evidence to the limited literature on community psychosocial rehabilitation in the Canadian context.

The study adopts a retrospective approach, analyzing data from patients referred to community rehabilitation between 2016 and 2017. The assessment centers on the year before and after patient engagement with the community rehabilitation team. Clinical effectiveness is evaluated through measures of inpatient service use (admissions, length of stay) and emergency department (ED) visits. The Canadian billing system of Medical Service Insurance (MSI) is employed to examine the cost of acute service utilization.

Results demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in mean admission rates and length of stay in the post-rehabilitation year compared with the pre-rehabilitation period. A substantial percentage of patients experienced no inpatient admissions or ED visits in the post-rehabilitation year. The analysis reveals a significant net reduction in hospital days, translating into substantial cost savings. The findings highlight the potential economic benefits of community rehabilitation in the context of SPMI.

The study suggests that community rehabilitation contributes positively to the clinical outcomes of individuals with SPMI, showcasing reduced inpatient service use and associated costs. The findings underscore the importance of further research into community psychosocial rehabilitation in the Canadian setting and emphasize the economic implications essential for demonstrating the efficiency of mental healthcare services.

Recent studies have focussed on detecting white matter abnormalities in subjects who transition to psychosis (UHR-T). Research suggests that fractional anisotropy (FA), may be decreased in UHR-T. However, global and regional findings have been inconsistent. By objectively combining data in a meta-analysis, we have investigated white matter alterations associated with transition, by comparing FA in UHR-T with subjects that do not transition (UHR-NT) and healthy volunteers.

The meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO (ID: CRD42021265348) and followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses PRISMA guidance. A systematic database search of PUBMED and EMBASE identified reports, which were screened by 2 independent researchers (CN and DD) for inclusion, from inception to 20 July 2021. Discrepancies were decided on consensus with a third researcher (KM). Reference lists of eligible studies were also screened. Authors of screened reports were contacted to provide parametric maps. Coordinate-based meta-analysis was conducted using Seed-based d-Mapping software to combine parametric map and coordinate data from reports, using a random-effects model. Quality and risk of bias analysis were conducted using the Newcastle-Ottowa Scale. Heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses were also conducted.

The search strategy identified 889 potential studies, from which 6 met eligibility criteria. A total of 71 UHR-T, 142 UHR-NT and 148 healthy volunteers were included. Weighted-mean decreases in FA were observed in UHR-T compared with: UHR-NT (d = −0.99; p < 0.0001; 95% CI −1.43 to −0.55); and healthy volunteers (d = −0.91; p = 0.04; 95% CI −1.78 to −0.05). The level of heterogeneity for the former was not significant. For UHR-T, regional FA decreases were observed in areas including the left genu of the corpus callosum (Z-score = −1.76, 204 voxels, p < 0.0001) compared with UHR-NT, while FA increases were most observed in the white matter region adjacent to the left postcentral gyrus (Z-score = 1.64, voxels = 16, p < 0.0001). These findings persisted despite sensitivity analyses.

The findings suggest that white matter alterations, specifically in left frontotemporal tracts, are associated with an increased risk of transition to psychosis. The neurobiological implications of these findings, and their contribution to UHR-T prediction efforts, are explored, as are avenues for further research.

Additional Author: Mr Gunnar Gronlid.1

The use of Clozapine treatment requires rigorous and mandatory monitoring due to the side effects profile of Clozapine. Certain clinical situations may pose a dilemma for clinicians such as concomitant use of clozapine during myelosuppressive chemotherapy. There is limited evidence-based data regarding Clozapine and chemotherapy. We report on a case of a clozapine-stabilized, Schizophrenia patient with Mild ID who was diagnosed with High Grade B-cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) requiring chemotherapy. The challenges of this complex case are detailed in this paper.

A 56-year old man with a diagnosis of Mild ID, Schizophrenia and OCD. The patient has been taking Clozapine since 2001 daily dose of 600-400 mg for the past 20 years. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with High Grade NHL in 2023. The decision was reached to continue Clozapine while undergoing chemotherapy sessions with frequent blood monitoring. Towards the end of his chemotherapy his bloods showed dangerously low (Clozapine red alert) requiring stopping Clozapine. The patient started showing signs of relapse in his mental state and subsequently commenced on Olanzapine. He continued to show signs of relapse and didn't recover to his previous baseline; the treatment plan is adding another antipsychotic or considering re challenging Clozapine.

This report contributes to a very limited literature on the concurrent use of clozapine with chemotherapy and the use of Clozapine “outside license”. The main treatment options facing clinician is stopping or continuing clozapine during chemotherapy. The dilemma of taking the path of withdrawing a medication on which a patient is stabilized may compromise psychiatric stability, yet there is a valid argument that such inconvenience would present more favourable outcome than facing the serious haematological risks of neutropenia. There is a need for robust and close liaison between psychiatrists, oncologist, and haematologist on the various clinical considerations.

In summary, both clozapine and chemotherapy are known to cause neutropenia and agranulocytosis. The clinical decision to continue clozapine during chemotherapy could be challenging. Clinicians should be aware that psychotic decompensation in such patients would inevitably increase morbidity and perhaps mortality due to nonadherence to all proposed treatment, including chemotherapy. In the absence of guidelines and given the nature of treatment-resistant symptoms, clinicians should work in a multidisciplinary approach and carefully weigh the risks and benefits of continuing clozapine during chemotherapy.

It was identified that at Warwick Medical School (WMS) there was no provision for in-person, student-led Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J, E, D&I) training for both staff and students. A novel approach using case-based studies and group discussions was developed through a student-staff collaboration with the aim of participants gaining a greater understanding of the impact of various institutional practices, from the perspective of students with first-hand experience of the subject matter. The training aimed to promote a greater understanding of intersectionality, and how institutional practices can disproportionately disadvantage students depending on their identity, experience, and background. Participants were encouraged to reflect upon the cumulative effects of systemic disadvantages in higher and medical education. The subsequent impact upon academic attainment, mental health and wellbeing was a further focus.

Around 350 students and staff from across WMS attended the training sessions over 6 months. These sessions were led by a team of student facilitators who possessed subject expertise in topics related to J, E, D&I, in addition to representing the communities that were discussed in terms of inclusion. The content was delivered in the form of case-based scenarios and small and wider group discussions. Content was based on discussions surrounding racism, classism, ableism, homophobia, sexism, Islamophobia, and transphobia. Discussion was encouraged and facilitated to promote reflection on personal practices and acknowledgement of where future efforts to improve practice should be directed.

Results indicate statistically significant shifts in participant knowledge and confidence levels in pre-post survey data, with qualitative feedback emphasising the strength of the student-led format. Faculty and students commented on the benefit of student-lead case-based teaching and student facilitator reflections highlight personal growth and the challenges of navigating power dynamics.

Overall, this project illustrates the efficacy of a student-led change initiative in fostering inclusivity and positive change within educational environments and provides an original model to explore for future partnership-working across the medical school. The student-led approach facilitated mutual learning between staff and students, bringing greater focus to how student attainment and wellbeing can be impacted by institutional practices.

Doctors completing on-call shifts at sites across a mental health trust identified a need to improve aspects of on-call work. This quality improvement project (QIP) aimed to improve response to trainee concerns arising from on-call work and support to junior doctors on-call.

A previous QIP cycle identified trainee concerns regarding on-call processes. In our first QIP cycle, surveys were sent to all consultants and SpRs working on non-residential on-call rotas, and Foundation, GP and Core Psychiatry trainees (on residential on-call rotas) in the Trust, regarding perceptions of on-call processes, senior support and on-call issues. A monthly, online forum was introduced in August 2023 to improve on-call feedback and communication. Trainees, consultants and SpRs from 2 localities were invited, along with representatives from the medical staffing team, medical education team and medical management. After 4 forums, participants who had attended an on-call forum were sent a further feedback survey collecting quantitative and qualitative data. Subsequently, forum frequency and scheduling were amended, advertisement improved, and the forum was expanded to include on-call doctors across the whole Trust.

First cycle data revealed consultant support for a regular meeting with trainees and senior colleagues to bring issues from on-calls for discussion (56% felt that an on-call forum would be helpful, 33% felt it might be helpful). Mean forum attendance was 14, with attendance from all grades. Feedback data from trainees (5 responses) was that most found the forum useful (80%); 80% felt listened to; all felt able to raise concerns, and all wanted the forums to continue. Qualitative feedback included: ‘we started a new QI project from the forum and many on-call guidelines became more defined.’ Consultant feedback (4 responses) was that most found the forums useful (75%); 100% gained a better understanding of trainee concerns; 100% thought forums should continue, although 50% thought the frequency should be reduced. Most consultants and trainees did not feel it would be useful to discuss clinical cases in the forums. Consultant qualitative feedback reported that the forum was helpful to understand trainee concerns, but there should be wider attendance.

Establishing an on-call forum was a valuable intervention for both consultants and trainees working on an on-call rota and has led to a further quality improvement project. Respondents felt that clinical supervision offered sufficient space to discuss clinical cases. Increasing trainee and consultant engagement with the forum is the next phase of this project.

Mental health professionals are very likely to experience a patient death at least once in their careers. The Royal College of Psychiatrists published a framework for supporting mental health staff following the death of a patient by suicide. It states that ‘how the news about a patient's suicide is imparted influences the emotional impact of the death and is therefore very important'. We sought to explore how healthcare professionals are informed about patient deaths within Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

A 25-question survey was devised to explore how staff have been informed about patient deaths and the impact it had on them. This was emailed to all grades of doctors, nurses and allied healthcare professionals within the trust and results were collected over 11 days.

83 healthcare professionals completed the survey.72 respondents had experienced a patient death within the trust. Of 72, 48.6% of respondents felt they had not been informed about their most recent patient death in a sensitive manner. There was wide variability in the method by which staff were first informed. 27.8% of respondents first learned of the patient's death via an email from the trust lawyers, patient safety team or another party. Of these 20, 17 felt they had not been informed in a sensitive manner. 63.9% (n = 46) reported that they had not been signposted to any support. Qualitative data suggested that the way in which people were informed had a wide-ranging impact. Many respondents felt shocked and upset. With hindsight, people would have appreciated being informed face to face and being given time to reflect. Of the total 83 responses, 82% (n = 68) felt that there should be a specific policy about how staff are informed about patient deaths.

Results from this survey demonstrate a large scope for improvement in the way that staff are informed of patient deaths. Using these results, we will generate change ideas for a quality improvement project which aims to inform staff more sensitively about patient deaths. Feedback suggested implementation of a new protocol to guide team managers and consultants on how to inform staff; it may help to standardise the process and the support provided. Patient deaths have a significant impact on the mental health of staff; communicating this matter compassionately may help to alleviate immediate feelings of distress and mediate the long-term impact on staff wellbeing and satisfaction.

Acutely ill patients on PICU are likely to be on High dose antipsychotic treatment (HDAT), which poses a risk to their physical health. Current guidelines require that appropriate criteria be met before prescription, and close physical health monitoring after prescription of HDAT. This audit aims to assess practices regarding prescription of HDAT to patients on PICU, Mill View Hospital, Hove according to standard guidelines.

Ten of the 38 patients admitted to PICU at Mill View Hospital between January and June 2023 were on HDAT and thus were eligible for this audit. The revised prescribing observatory for mental health topic 1h 3e audit tool was used to collect data regarding the patients. Data was collected from the clinical records including electronic, paper notes and uploaded drug charts and forms.

The age range was between 21–56 with an average age of 35. Eight of the 10 patients were white British, 2 were of another ethnic group or ethnicity unknown. All the 10 patients had clinical reasons for HDAT prescription clearly documented at the start of the treatment which ranged from cross titration of antipsychotics to treatment resistance to standard treatments.

Of the 10 patients on HDAT, 6 of them had documented clinical review in the 3 months, 1 had documented clinical review in last 3 to 6 months, 3 had no clearly documented review of clinical response in the last year.

Only 7 out of 10 had their temperature, pulse, blood pressure, body mass index and electrocardiogram (ECG) clearly documented. Seven of the 10 patients had their full blood count, urea and electrolytes, liver function tests, blood glucose, plasma lipid tests done and clearly documented in last year. Eight of the 10 patients had their serum prolactin checked while none of the patients had their creatinine phosphokinase checked and clearly documented in the last year. Only 2 of the patients had clearly documented examination of extrapyramidal side effects (EPSE) in the last one year.

This audit demonstrates that although clinical reasons for HDAT prescription were documented for all patients, current standard guidelines for HDAT prescription regarding regular review and physical health monitoring were either not being met, or not clearly documented.

The 2016 Junior Doctor’s contract offers guidance as to the rest periods needed during non-resident on-calls (NROCs). The Rotherham, Doncaster and South Humber (RDaSH) NHS Foundation Trust currently works on a NROC trainee rota. NROC work undertaken is monitored via a log form, returned by the trainee after their shift. A retrospective audit was completed with only a 28% return rate of log forms. Though anecdotal evidence suggested inadequate rest and high workloads during on-calls, due to low engagement in monitoring formal data was lacking. Therefore, a trainee-led prospective audit was designed to formally monitor on-call workload over a period of 4 weeks.

The main aim of this project was to review the average amount of hours worked during an NROC shift and compare achieved rest periods against agreed standards (derived from 2016 contract). These standards indicate that 90% of shifts should achieve 8 hours rest in 24 hours and 5 hours continuous rest between 22:00–07:00. In order to accomplish this we first aimed to increase the return of completed on-call log forms to 75%.

Work was predominantly concentrated around increasing return rate of the log forms including: running teaching sessions, regional promotion, and sending daily reminder emails to return the forms. These forms were then reviewed and analysed.

Across the 4 week audit period, the return rate of log forms was 95%, compared with the previous return rate of 28%. Average hours worked across all three localities exceeded the expected hours by RDaSH. When compared with the standards outlined, 1 in 3 shifts in Rotherham, 1 in 5 in Doncaster and 1 in 4 in South Humber did not achieve contractual rest periods. Out of these, not reaching 5 hours continuous rest was the most common reason for not meeting contractual rest periods.

RDaSH worked collaboratively with trainees to generate a number of interventions to mitigate the breaches in rest periods including: creation of a new clinical role to filter calls, reviewing the suitability of the NROC rota and increasing pay to reflect the increased workload. There is currently work underway to redesign the rota.

This audit highlights the importance of prioritising regular reviews of NROC work to ensure the safety of both staff and patients through achieving adequate rest periods.

Patients not attending appointments without letting the service know prior (referred to as did not attend – DNA) is a significant problem in community mental health (CMH). However, there are limited studies conducted in the United Kingdom on this issue. Patients forgetting appointments was a reoccurring reason for DNAs in the literature. To address this, we aimed to assess the impact of raising staff awareness on recording patient consent to receive text message reminders of appointments and increasing the frequency of reminders on DNA rates in Arndale House (a CMH service covering Dartford, Gravesend and Swanley as part of the Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust – KMPT).

DNA rates at Arndale House from August to October 2023 were assessed to determine a baseline before implementing interventions. Following this, two interventions were put in place; the first occurred on 18/10/23, consisting of an online teaching session for the staff at Arndale on documenting patients’ consent to receive text message reminders for their appointments. Posters with instructions on this were posted on the trust intranet and set up within the building. The second intervention occurred on 20/11/23 and included sending out text message reminders more frequently, from three and one day prior to appointments to seven days beforehand as well. DNA rates for November were analysed to assess the impact of intervention one and December for intervention two. Patient characteristics were also examined monthly to identify any trends among those who DNA. The analysis comprised 109 patients (69 for pre-intervention, 27 for intervention one, and 13 for intervention two).

Pre-intervention DNA rates were 13.4%, 17.5%, and 13.5%, respectively. The incidence of DNA increased to 19.9% after intervention one. However, this was lower than November 2022. The rate for intervention two was 11.6%, lower than that of December 2022. Being White, having a mood disorder and having mental health disorders which fell under more than one category were prominent among those who DNA.

Increasing the frequency of text message reminders of appointments had a significant impact on reducing DNA rates, highlighting a potential intervention which can be implemented in CMH to tackle the issue of DNAs.

• • To improve documentation of antidepressant prescribing in our service, aiming to improve frequency of review, and guide measurement of outcomes.

• • Identify patients requiring medical review.

The standards that we audited against are that, for patients under The Early Intervention in Psychosis Service (EIPS), a diagnosis should be recorded alongside each antidepressant prescription and, according to EIPN guidelines, psychotropic medications should be reviewed every 6 months.

Population data from the UK indicates that lack of recording of a diagnosis is associated with increased duration of treatment, and reduced frequency of mental health reviews.

It was recorded for each patient whether they had an antidepressant prescribed, which medication, the documented indication, and their most recent medical review. Data was collected in a ‘snapshot' cross section of all 89 patients on the caseload in December 2023.

Data was obtained from carenotes by reviewing clinic letters and clinical notes; and cross-referencing with GP records.

33 patients (37%) were prescribed an antidepressant. Of these, 25 (76%) had a recorded indication. The commonest indication was mixed anxiety and depression followed by depression. Sertraline was by far the commonest prescribed antidepressant (52%) followed by mirtazapine. 3 patients were prescribed combination antidepressants. 67 patients (84%) had had a medical review within 6 months.

Among patients with a first episode of psychosis, there is a significant comorbidity of depression and anxiety spectrum disorders.

Our standard was met for most patients but there were several exceptions, and we considered why 8 patients did not have a listed diagnosis. There can be a degree of diagnostic uncertainty in distinguishing anxiety and depressive disorders from negative symptoms, and the affective changes that are an established part of recovery from an acute psychotic episode. In these circumstances it may be appropriate to consider a trial of antidepressants in consultation with the patient. Some of these patients also have been on long-term therapy which preceded their referral to EIPS, leading to uncertainty of the indication and pre-morbid status.

We conclude the following recommendations:

1. 1. Prompt a review of antidepressant use in those identified without a clear indication, discussing risks and benefits with the patient at next review.

2. 2. Arrange medical reviews for those exceeding the 6-monthly window.

3. 3. Record last review for patients under shared care.

4. 4. Re-audit in 6 months to monitor improvement.

The study aimed to assess staff understanding of the discharge process in an Elmdale ward, Halifax and improve the promptness of discharge reports to other primary care professionals.

Initially, the discharge process was reviewed in March 2023 to establish a baseline, focusing on completion time and personnel involved in the process. An online survey was conducted using Survey Monkey with 20 responses from the staff, including nurses, pharmacists, and doctors, to gather insights into their comprehension of the discharge process.

Electronic data for EPMA (electronic prescribing and medication administration) discharge form from SystmOne was analyzed to determine the percentage of completed discharge summaries and identify any incomplete or absent summaries among patients discharged from Elmdale ward (an acute inpatient ward) between March 1st and March 31st, 2023.

The data showed that 76.9% of discharges were completed within 24 hours, with weekend discharge completion at 4 and only 25% after 5 pm. Half of the discharge summaries were closed by nurses, 46% by doctors, and one by the ward clerk.

The median time taken to complete the discharge process was 25.83 hours, slightly exceeding the 24-hour target. Survey results indicated that 60% of staff were aware of the 24-hour timeline, but there were gaps in communication between staff members. Additionally, only 40% of staff had received formal EPMA discharge summary training, with nursing staff being the majority.

Eighty percent of survey respondents expressed challenges with the discharge summary process, particularly regarding communication with the pharmacy team and closing the discharge summary. Weekend discharge data revealed gaps in responsibilities when the ward clerk was unavailable to send letters.

Overall, the findings suggest a need for improved communication and training to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the discharge process, ensuring timely and accurate transmission of discharge reports to primary care physicians and other professionals.

More than half of the staff understood the discharge process however communication between staff in regard to the discharge process impacted on the timeliness of the summaries completed.

20 year old patient open to mental health services since the age of 8. Through the years, they have had work-up and diagnoses of ADHD, ASD, Schizoaffective Disorder (with prominent erotomanic delusions) and sexual identity concerns.

They spent a number of years in psychiatric in-patient units following an index offence. Initially in an adolescent LSU and subsequently in an adolescent MSU.

After 5 years of their stay at the MSU, their transition to an adult rehabilitation ward was planned and completed.

20 year old, oldest of 5 siblings, born with no complications during or after pregnancy and at full-term. First referred to mental health services aged 6 regarding difficulties at school leading to a diagnosis of ADHD.

At age 13, re-engaged with mental health services following concerns around self-harm, disappearing from home, alcohol use. Also with difficulties around gender identity and sexual orientation. Shortly after, elements of ASD were identified, including social and communication difficulties and special interests which included single females.

Around age 16, patient developed erotomanic delusions. First towards a female friend in dance class – patient wanted to run away with them and have their babies, and carried a knife to hurt anyone who tried to get in their way, eventually leading to the index offence. In addition, there were similar erotomanic delusions with regards to at least 2 famous female music personalities.

With a significant mood component accompanying the psychosis, she was diagnosed and managed as having Schizoaffective Disorder.

The patient presented with a complex, multimodal presentation which took time and a comprehensive holistic approach. They were trialled on 3 different antipsychotics and eventually clozapine which needed stopping due to side effects. Best response was eventually observed with a return to olanzapine.

Patient also had 19 treatments of ECT (13 being high dose) with marked transient improvement.

Psychology, OT and the MDT largely focussed on building therapeutic relationships with the patient which gradually helped the patient develop insight around their erotomanic delusions and the impact on their life.

Despite the complexities of this case, it highlighted that a robust, consistent, holistic approach can change lives even though this may take some time. The patient was utilizing leaves off the ward, taking part in the education sessions and activities on the ward and has recently been transferred to an adult rehabilitation ward after years in an adolescent specialist in-patient service.

Food insecurity, defined as lacking regular access to nutritious food due to financial hardship, is associated with a range of adverse developmental outcomes for children and adolescents. Emerging evidence suggests food insecurity in adults may be associated with disordered eating behaviours, including binge eating and unhealthy weight control strategies. However, the nature of this relationship in adolescents remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether an association exists between food insecurity and eating disorder symptomatology in a large and diverse sample of adolescents living in England.

Cross-sectional data were collected from 34,730 young people in school years 7 to 13 (aged 11 to 18) in classrooms across England, as part of the OxWell 2023 Student Survey. Eating Disorder symptomatology was measured, on a scale of 0 to 6, with five self-report screening questions from the Eating Disorder Section of the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) and one additional question on meal skipping due to shape/weight concerns. Food insecurity was measured, on a scale of 0 to 6, with three questions adapted from the Wales Young People's Survey on Child & Family Poverty 2019. A complete case analysis was conducted using Stata, v18. Regression analyses were performed to test for associations between food insecurity and eating disorder symptomatology, stratified by gender and adjusting for age and ethnicity.

12,571 (36.2%) participants were excluded due to missing data in key study variables. Our final sample comprised 22,159 adolescents with a mean age of 13.8 years (50.8% female, 54.4% white ethnicity). 63.6% of participants reported experiencing at least one eating disorder symptom and 45.7% scored ≥2 on the DAWBA screening items, a more stringent cut-off for possible eating disorder. Food insecurity was found to be a significant predictor of eating disorder symptomatology in participants of all genders (female: β 0.54, 95% CI 0.48–0.60, p < 0.001, male: β 0.40, 95% CI 0.36–0.44, p < 0.001, other: β 0.52, 95% CI 0.43–0.61, p < 0.001). The association was particularly marked amongst those reporting purging behaviours (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.55–1.69, p < 0.001).

In keeping with previous research, our findings indicate that adolescents experiencing food insecurity exhibit increased rates of eating disorder symptomatology. Further research is needed to explore potential mechanisms behind this association, as well as to develop effective intervention strategies. Our study adds to a body of evidence identifying a high-risk and disenfranchised group of young people who may benefit from targeted support.

The review explored differences in sources of referrals and utilisation of child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) among children and young people (CYP) of black ethnicity compared with other ethnicities. We also explored international differences.

We searched MEDLINE (through Ovid), PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Web of Science using a priori defined search terms to identify relevant records. We used the “Population, Exposure, and Outcome” (PEO) framework to define search terms. Pairs of authors assessed papers for inclusion, extracted the data and conducted quality assessment. The systematic review was pre-registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021249619).

We identified 110 studies which all had quantitative design. The results indicate that compared with other ethnic groups, CYP of black ethnicity were less likely to be screened for mental disorders, and more likely to be referred by non-voluntary sources such as social/child welfare services and juvenile justice systems. CYP of black ethnicity were also less likely to utilise all types and levels of mental health services with the exception of school-based services. CYP of black ethnicity were less likely to access psychological intervention or to be prescribed psychotropic medications. Also, CYP of black ethnicity were more likely to experience coercive treatments, and to receive poorer quality of care. These findings were similar across different countries.

CYP of black ethnicity experience significant disadvantages across their care journeys through CAMHS. Addressing the drivers for these disadvantages is crucial for improving access to care for this group.

National guidelines (NICE) recommend that prolactin should be monitored every 12 months for patients on antipsychotics, excluding patients on aripiprazole, clozapine, quetiapine or on doses of less than 20mg daily of olanzapine. The purpose of this audit was to investigate whether patients under our services who are prescribed antipsychotics implicated in causing hyperprolactinemia, were having regular annual prolactin measurements as per the guidelines and whether abnormal results were being actioned appropriately.

A total of 61 patients were surveyed, as a random selection from the Outpatient Consultant case load in Rochdale CMHT. This was a retrospective analysis looking at annual prolactin measurements over 5 years between 01/01/2017 and 31/12/2022. This included all patients who had been stabilised on an antipsychotic for more than 2 years, and excluded patients on antipsychotics that did not cause significant prolactin rise (and so do not require annual prolactin measurements as per NICE guidelines).

Our results showed that the majority of patients were not having regular annual prolactin measurements, with only 3.3% of patients having prolactin measured annually 100% of the time. 23% of patients had no prolactin measurements at all while on antipsychotic treatment during the time period assessed. In cases were there was an elevated prolactin reading, only 15% of these readings had a documented action plan.

This audit has demonstrated that the overall compliance with the NICE standards for annual prolactin monitoring for people on antipsychotic medication is of a poor standard, and we highlight possible reasons why this may not be done and areas for improvement.

This retrospective cohort study using routinely collected administrative clinical data from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Foundation Trust (CPFT) Research Database, aims to understand how many children and young people (CYP) with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) undergo successful transition from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) and community paediatric services, to adult mental health services and investigate the factors that are associated with the successful transition of care in young people with ADHD to adult services.

Many young people with ADHD, in need of service transition from child to adult services, experience serious barriers in receiving the care they need, constrained by scarce resources, low capacity in specialist services and variable awareness or training across various levels of care.

We explored the numbers and clinical and socio-demographic characteristics of CYP with ADHD who undergo successful transition from CAMHS and paediatric services, to adult mental health services. We will explore whether children with certain sociodemographic factors/treatment/service attended are more likely than others to successfully transition using multivariable logistic regression.

Note results are rounded for statistical disclosure control. We identified 24,240 unique CYP for whom a referral (age < 18) exists to CPFT between 1 Sep 2007 and 31 Aug 2019 (with follow up until 2020). Of this cohort, 2300 were referred at any time to any ADHD service, 1760 CYP had a record of ADHD medication in their clinical notes at any time of whom 1590 CYP had a record of ADHD medication under the age of 18. Of these 1590 CYP, 330 had at least 1 year follow up in the database before and after their 18th birthday and a record of ADHD prescribing during the year before they turn 18. This is a cohort of CYP who should have transitioned from child to adult services. Of these 330, 160 (48%) had been referred to any ADHD service between their 17th and 19th birthday and 190 (58%) had any record of ADHD medication in the year after they turn 18. Further analyses will explore the characteristics of CYP who successfully transition, and we will carry out a series of sensitivity analyses.

With an increase in the number of children with ADHD who are prescribed medication, we can expect an increasing cohort of emerging adults who need continued care. This study will provide evidence on the current state of care to help identify areas for improvement.