Insights From a Child & Adolescent Mental Health In‐Patient Unit: Towards the Potential Development of Person‐Centred Practices

PROBLEM: An increasing incidence in child and adolescent mental health difficulties calls for the development of effective person-centred mental health services. This study aims to investigate the experiences of young persons, main caregivers, and healthcare professionals within a child and adolescent mental health in-patient unit, with the aim to potentially develop person-centred practices. METHODS: A philosophical inquiry based on the SECI model within the concept of Ba was used. Three different methods were adopted, including the draw, write, and tell method with the young persons, semi-structured interviews with the main caregivers, observations using the Workplace culture critical appraisal tool - revised, and the world café method with healthcare professionals. FINDINGS: An indicative thematic analysis was completed collaboratively with two young persons, two main caregivers, and two healthcare professionals who previously took part in the data collection. Six themes emerged namely, power imbalance and communication, devaluing, boredom, support and feelings of isolation, getting out, and environment. Some themes were common for all three participant groups while others were specific to one group. CONCLUSIONS: It was evident that although some person-centred moments were present, most notably, the formation of trusting relationships with some of the healthcare professionals, and feelings of support between healthcare professionals. However, several challenges toward the formation of person-centred practice remain.