Barriers to Treatment Participation and Retention in Mental Health Services at the Regional Children’s Centre
Description
Background: The Regional Children’s Centre (RCC) observed an increase in no-shows and same-day cancellations among families seeking mental health services in 2022. Research on treatment retention indicates that these issues are prevalent, suggesting that families receive less than 50% of prescribed interventions. Purpose/Objectives: This study aimed to identify barriers to treatment participation and develop strategies to promote engagement in treatment. Objectives included: 1) understanding treatment barriers from families’ and staff perspectives, 2) designing and implementing strategies to address the identified barriers, and 3) evaluating the effectiveness of the implemented strategies. Methods: A multi-method study was undertaken which included an administrative chart review, a survey with families, and a focus group with staff. The chart review explored factors to low treatment participation within families (N = 31) from April- October 2022. The Barriers to Treatment Participation Scale was distributed to identify the barriers encountered by families receiving services (N = 35, 48% response). The focus group with staff (N = 26) included designing strategies and then prioritizing those strategies using the “PICK” Quality Improvement Method. Chosen strategies were implemented and evaluated using a retrospective and prospective chart review and a Staff Satisfaction Strategy Survey to assess the perceived effectiveness of the strategies. Results/Conclusion: Key strategies implemented included: 1) automated appointment reminders, 2) psychoeducation resources, and 3) new service agreements. Overall, post-implementation data demonstrated a 46% reduction in missed appointments and a 44% decrease in no-shows and same-day cancellations. Efforts are ongoing to spread these practices to other programs within the RCC.
Barriers to Treatment Participation and Retention in Mental Health Services at the Regional Children’s Centre
Caesars Windsor Convention Centre, Room: LUNA
Background: The Regional Children’s Centre (RCC) observed an increase in no-shows and same-day cancellations among families seeking mental health services in 2022. Research on treatment retention indicates that these issues are prevalent, suggesting that families receive less than 50% of prescribed interventions. Purpose/Objectives: This study aimed to identify barriers to treatment participation and develop strategies to promote engagement in treatment. Objectives included: 1) understanding treatment barriers from families’ and staff perspectives, 2) designing and implementing strategies to address the identified barriers, and 3) evaluating the effectiveness of the implemented strategies. Methods: A multi-method study was undertaken which included an administrative chart review, a survey with families, and a focus group with staff. The chart review explored factors to low treatment participation within families (N = 31) from April- October 2022. The Barriers to Treatment Participation Scale was distributed to identify the barriers encountered by families receiving services (N = 35, 48% response). The focus group with staff (N = 26) included designing strategies and then prioritizing those strategies using the “PICK” Quality Improvement Method. Chosen strategies were implemented and evaluated using a retrospective and prospective chart review and a Staff Satisfaction Strategy Survey to assess the perceived effectiveness of the strategies. Results/Conclusion: Key strategies implemented included: 1) automated appointment reminders, 2) psychoeducation resources, and 3) new service agreements. Overall, post-implementation data demonstrated a 46% reduction in missed appointments and a 44% decrease in no-shows and same-day cancellations. Efforts are ongoing to spread these practices to other programs within the RCC.
https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/we-spark-conference/2025/oralpresentations/24