Children identify problems with psychiatric healthcare
Children who make use of mental health services say they are happy with the care received, despite identifying a number of shortcomings in the present system, a report published recently shows.
Addressing a mental health conference organised by the Malta Association of Psychiatry yesterday, higher specialist trainee Andrea Saliba presented research conducted in 2015 along with psychiatrist Nigel Camilleri.
The average age of those who took part in the study was 10.
Through the research study '" carried out in November 2015 '" the researchers sought to identify gaps in the current provision of services on offer to children and young people.
While respondents commented positively and "expressed appreciation for the services offered", they criticised long waiting lists and having difficulty "establishing a therapeutic relationship".
The children emphasised the need for better communication between services and called for more school visits, to enable liaison with the educational system.
Communication between the paediatricians working with children also needed improvement, the respondents said.
"Having reviews by the same clinician would ensure continuity of care and improve the...
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