Eliciting Children's and Young People's Views of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services: A Systematic Review of Best Practice

Background: A systematic review of children's and young people's views of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) was undertaken to identify the methods used, the 'best practice' methods, and the methods most effective in leading to service changes. Method: Electronic databases and grey literature were systematically searched. Both authors independently quality-appraised studies using a standard framework. Of 381 studies identified, only 13 were both relevant and of sufficient quality to be included in the review. Interviews, focus groups, brainstorming exercises, and questionnaires were the methods used. Results: No study reported a change of practice as a result of hearing children's and young people's views. Key Practitioner Message: So few studies have been adequately reported in the literature that it is difficult to make recommendations about good practice for undertaking views studies in CAMHS. Practitioners should use age-appropriate and rigorous methods, report findings clearly, and check beforehand that their organisation is willing and able to implement changes suggested by the young people.