Mixed-Methods Evaluation of the Expanded Implementation of Supported Education Within Community Youth Mental Health Services

Abstract

Aims

Education is a key goal of young people experiencing mental ill-health and is crucial for many aspects of enjoyable, meaningful lives. However, the completion of education can be a challenge. This paper evaluated the expanded implementation of a targeted education support programme for young people with mental ill-health.

Methods

A retrospective chart audit of the 125 young people accessing a range of mental health services in a metropolitan region referred to the intervention between January 2022 and June 2023 was conducted. Education, demographic and administrative data were collected. The primary outcome was engagement in education (both secondary and higher), measured as both maintaining education and engaging in new educational opportunities. Fifteen clinicians were also surveyed on their perspectives on the intervention.

Results

One-hundred and twenty-two referrals were accepted, 93 young people engaged and 70 were supported to engage with education. Half of the young people who were not engaged in education prior to participating were successfully supported to re-engage. However, the intervention was less integrated between referring services than during a previous pilot phase. Clinicians viewed the intervention as contributing to the development of generalisable skills and enhancing efficacy of care, but viewed a lack of co-location at every site as a substantial barrier to integration.

Conclusions

In a large sample embedded in a real-world setting, the current paper demonstrates positive outcomes of supported education within youth mental healthcare. Further studies are needed to demonstrate efficacy with control groups and to explore the perspectives of young people and carers.