Overcoming challenges of embedding child and youth mental health research in community NHS services
Journal of Public Mental Health
ISSN: 1746-5729
Article publication date: 20 November 2023
Issue publication date: 4 December 2023
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the barriers and facilitators of conducting and implementing research in frontline child and youth mental health settings in the UK.
Design/methodology/approach
Researchers, clinicians and commissioners who attended a workshop at the Big Emerging Minds Summit in October 2022 provided their expert views on the structural barriers and possible solutions to integrating research in clinical practice based on their experiences of child and young people mental health research.
Findings
The identified barriers encompass resource constraints, administrative burdens and misalignment of research priorities, necessitating concerted efforts to foster a research-supportive culture. This paper proposes the potential actionable solutions aimed at overcoming challenges, which are likely applicable across various other health-care systems and frontline NHS services. Solutions include ways to bridge the gap between research and practice, changing perceptions of research, inclusive engagement and collaboration, streamlining ethics processes, empowering observational research and tailored communication strategies. Case examples are outlined to substantiate the themes presented and highlight successful research initiatives within NHS Trusts.
Originality/value
This paper provides an insight into the views of stakeholders in child and youth mental health. The themes will hopefully support and influence clinicians and academics to come together to improve the integration of research into clinical practice with the hope of improving service provision and outcomes for our children and young people.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful to everyone who attended their workshop at the Big Emerging Minds Summit. The authors particularly thank the following workshop participants for their valuable input into the implications and recommendations section of this paper: Emma Berry (Queen’s University Belfast), Maria Loades (University of Bath), Sarah Shenow (School of Psychology, Cardiff University) and Hannah Wilkinson (Place2Be).
Funding statement: The Emerging Minds Network Plus was supported by UK Research & Innovation as part of their Cross-Disciplinary Mental Health Network Plus initiative (Grant No. ES/S004726/1).
Citation
Tazzini, G., Gee, B., Wilson, J., Weber, F., Brown, A., Clarke, T. and Chatburn, E. (2023), "Overcoming challenges of embedding child and youth mental health research in community NHS services", Journal of Public Mental Health, Vol. 22 No. 4, pp. 275-286. https://doi.org/10.1108/JPMH-09-2023-0083
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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