A retrospective audit of referrals of 16-17 year olds with reference to substance abuse

Emerge is an innovative Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service that provides support for 16-17 year olds. The team provide a community based multi-disciplinary, open access model, texting young people and travelling to locations convenient to them. There is an enhanced duty system providing a rapid flexible response within working hours.

To examine the referral data as part of the ongoing annual audit cycle and to establish prevalence of alcohol, cigarettes and substance use among young people referred to the service.

Data from the case notes was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science. Demographic details, referrer profession, reason for referral, other services involved and substance use were examined.

There were 437 patients referred to Emerge between 1/4/2010 and 31/3/2011, and 387 patients were accepted while 50 were signposted on. Cases were not accepted if they fell outside the age and geographical area, or were not in need of a mental health service. Overall, 24% of young people were reported to consume alcohol, 19% used cannabis and 9% reported using cigarettes. In all categories there were areas where documentation was not complete, and we suggest that these figures are an underestimate.

This data has been fed back to the team, a full morning of teaching regarding drugs and alcohol has been delivered. Emerge often works with young people who are marginalised and may be harder to reach, consequently early sessions require neutral and supportive questions, thus if young people do not return after the first appointment, histories may be incomplete. The team will be reflecting on the lessons learned and considering ways to optimise their work.