Rationale

Many children and young people accessing CAMH services do not have a definitive diagnosis . NHS boards should have a mechanism for bringing together anonymised data to identify the total number of children and young people with a diagnosis or presenting problem who are accessing services. Information should be recorded using a multi-axial system of assessment , in accordance with the NHS National Services Scotland, Data Recording Advisory Service’s national information requirements. This information should also be available by local authority area.

Systems should be developed to ensure that information can be shared in a way which satisfies both the legal and professional obligations of the services involved in care delivery, and the legitimate expectations of children, young people and their parents/carers. Local governance arrangements will define data management systems, usage and procedures.

This information is essential to allow NHS boards to make informed decisions regarding service planning to ensure that provision is based on demand and needs.