Paediatric liaison service

Abstract

Aims and methodTo discuss the working of a new paediatric liaison service. To review paediatric referrals to a child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS) 21 months before and 21 months after the establishment of this service.ResultsOne hundred and eighty-three children were discussed in the 21 months after the new service was set up. There was a rise in referral to CAMHS from 72 to 120. Non-attendance rates from paediatric referrals also rose. Likely reasons for these changes are discussed, and include an increase in referrals of children with somatisation.Clinical implicationsInterdisciplinary liaison appears to carry many advantages, but is likely to increase referral rates to the CAMHS. This has both clinical and resource implications.