Children's involvement in decision making in CAMHS
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Involving children in decision making and consent processes: A qualitative study of 8-11 year olds in outpatient Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
IRAS ID
172004
Contact name
Ann Cox
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Derby
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 10 days
Research summary
How and when do children aged 8-11 years want to be involved in decision making and consent processes in their own healthcare in CAMHS? A focus group study.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) (1989), the Human Rights Act (1998) and the Children Act (1989) recognise the imperative to involve children in decisions.
Gillick (Gillick V Norfolk and Wisbech Health Authority, 1995) offers a framework for young people under 16 years to consent to their own healthcare if they are deemed to have capacity. The framework does not explain when it is transferable to younger age groups e.g. 8-11 year olds. In clinical practice this can serve as a barrier to hearing children’s views and wishes as clinicians do not have clear guidance or frameworks to refer to.
A systematic literature review was undertaken by the chief investigator to qualify whether further research was needed in this area (Cox, Brannigan, Harling and Townend, 2016); the review concluded that there was a need for further research and children’s views had not been heard in how they wanted to be involved. This application is intending to fill this research gap.
The study will have the potential to benefit children using mental health services and rightfully being involved in treatment decisions and consent where appropriate. The study will involve facilitating two focus groups, one with children and one with parents of children aged 8-11 years, who have previously had treatment in CAMHS. The focus groups will discuss how and when children are involved in decision making and consent. The focus groups will be held on separate days in NHS (Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (DHCFT)) buildings and will last approximately 1 hour. The theory derived from the analysed data from the focus groups will be used to develop and enhance clinical practice.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/YH/0064
Date of REC Opinion
18 Feb 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion