Exploring the needs of service users with a co-existing mental health and neuro developmental disorder accessing Mental Health Services in Cwm Taf University Health Board (CTUHB)

Aim The aim of this project is to collaborate with Cwm Taf University Health Board (CTUHB) to conduct a study to evaluate their innovative mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders service. Objective To explore the needs of service users with a co-existing neurodevelopmental and mental health disorder accessing services in CTUHB. Methodology/Approach This is a qualitative study. Up to 60 service users will be recruited. Six focus groups (approximately 8 participants per focus group) and 12 individual interviews (for persons uncomfortable in a group situation) with service users from the population will be conducted to establish whether mental health services are currently meeting their needs. Access to the service users will be facilitated via the Health Board and Occupational Therapist lead from the Autistic Spectrum Disorder Occupational Therapy Service. Other practitioners within CTUHB who also work with this population will be approached to access their service users. This will be facilitated by the service lead who has established links with practitioners in primary, secondary, and inpatient services. The service users’ perspectives on a) what their needs are and b) whether they feel their needs are being met will be explored in this study. This is to ensure that marginalised groups have the opportunity for their voices to be heard in the planning and delivery of mental health services. Inclusion criteria. Service users, aged 18-65 years, with a diagnosis of a neurodevelopmental disorder (including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and Attention Deficit Disorder) and co-existing mental health condition (e.g. generalised anxiety disorder or/and depression). Service users must be accessing a mental health service or mental health support in primary care, secondary care, or inpatient services. Conclusions/Recommendations This project is a PhD study due to commence on the 1st October 2017. Impact to Patient/Client care & Outcomes The anticipated results from this study will be: 1. To enable us to inform CTUHB on an effective service delivery model for this population, which is based on the needs of those using the services. 2. Service users’ views can be inputted into the evaluation of current service provision from CTUHB and inform the development of future mental health services for persons with a co-existing mental health and neurodevelopmental disorder.