Extra meetings: a tool for decisions and therapy.

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Psychiatry
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Engagement

Background:

• Adolescent units require effective communication and decision-making tools.
• Patient and staff involvement is crucial for therapeutic environments.
• Existing models may lack patient-driven initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate a meeting tool empowering staff and patients in an Adolescent Unit.
• To explore the development, anxieties, usefulness, and practical application of this initiative.
• To assess the role of these meetings in facilitating change.

Main Methods:

• Implementation of a meeting protocol allowing any staff member or patient group to call a meeting.
• Qualitative analysis of the development process, including associated anxieties.
• Case examples illustrating the application and outcomes of the meetings.

Main Results:

• The meeting tool was developed and implemented within the Adolescent Unit.
• Anxieties regarding the initiative were identified and addressed.
• Meetings proved useful for communication, support, and decision-making.
• These meetings acted as catalysts for change within the unit.

Conclusions:

• Empowering staff and patients to initiate meetings is a valuable tool in Adolescent Units.
• Such patient-centered approaches enhance communication, support, and drive meaningful change.
• The tool's flexibility supports diverse needs, from simple communication to complex decision-making.