Supporting Organisation: Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust
About Louise's fellowship project
Title: What are the barriers and facilitators to accessing dietetic care for children and young people under CAMHS across Norfolk and Suffolk?
Children and young people receiving care from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) may experience nutritional difficulties related to their mental and physical health. However, access to dietetic support within CAMHS is variable, and there is limited understanding of the barriers and facilitators affecting access. This may contribute to inequalities in care, particularly across rural areas where services and resources can be limited. The project aims to understand current dietetic provision and referral pathways across Norfolk and Suffolk and explore the experiences and perspectives of children and young people, CAMHS professionals and dietitians. A mixed-methods approach will combine mapping of existing services with surveys and qualitative research to identify barriers to accessing dietetic care and factors that support effective access.
The findings will provide the organisation with a clearer understanding of gaps and variation in dietetic provision and the factors influencing access. They will inform practical recommendations for service development, including clearer referral pathways, staff training and guidance, improved signposting and future models of dietetic support. For service users, the project aims to improve recognition of nutritional needs and ensure that children and young people receiving CAMHS care can access appropriate dietetic support when required, helping to reduce inequalities in access to care.
Contact Louise: Louise.jordan@nsft.nhs.uk