Referral pathways between the mental health services and Jigsaw

Objectives To examine similarities and differences in the demographic and clinical profiles of young people (15-25 years of age) referred between the mental health services (MHS) and Jigsaw Galway. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted of clinical files of individuals attending secondary MHS who had been referred to or from Jigsaw Galway over a 5-year period. Differences in demographic and clinical data between individuals referred to or from Jigsaw Galway were compared. Results A recent act of self-harm was more prevalent in individuals referred from Jigsaw to the adult MHS (p=0.02). No other demographic or clinical differences were detected between individuals attending Jigsaw Galway and the MHS. Conclusions Education sessions for clinical staff working in primary care, Jigsaw Galway and the MHS are suggested to support clinicians in choosing the best referral pathway, which may more optimally address young people's mental health difficulties.