The "marathon assessment" in child psychiatry: a service to underserviced areas

The University of British Columbia Child and Family Psychiatry Outpatient Department has, since 1974, conducted intensive child psychiatry assessments of patients referred from outlying areas. The marathon assessment, as we have called it, requires up to three days during which clinic staff conduct interviews with the referred patient and family, and perform specific investigations as necessary. By the end of the third day, the clinic team presents its findings and recommendations to the family, and by phone and letter to the referral source with arrangement for follow-up by physicians and/or mental health clinics in the patient's geographic region. The marathon evaluation has proven a worthy alternative to outreach visits by a travelling child psychiatrist and to inpatient hospital evaluations. The reasons for the advantages are enumerated.