Delivering and implementing child and adolescent mental health training for mental health and allied professionals: a systematic review and qualitative meta-aggregation

Abstract Background The increasing prevalence of mental health difficulties among children and young people (CYP) suggests that early intervention is vital. A comprehensive system care support requires the involvement professionals, including psychologists psychiatrists, allied teachers, police, youth workers. critical starting point provision effective training, in order these professionals can better needs CYP they encounter. Objectives Given primacy training system, understanding factors maximise potential gains facilitate uptake pertinent. current review therefore located explored qualitative research evidence, to identify barriers facilitators underpinning successful delivery implementation focussed on CYP, for both professionals. Methods systematic meta-aggregation were conducted. Systematic searches carried out using ASSIA, EMBASE, MEDLINE, NICE Evidence, PsycINFO, Scopus databases, papers published between 2000 2020. Twelve thousand four hundred forty-eight records identified, which 39 eligible review. appraised quality Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist Qualitative Research, synthesised method. Results One eighty-two raw findings extracted from papers, condensed into 47 sub-categories, 19 categories, finally 5 synthesis statements. These statements reflected influencing process (“support”; “content, design, planning”), workplace (“context”; “perceived value”; “organisational factors”). Conclusions underlying categories provide practical recommendations those designing, delivering, or implementing training. Recommendations ranged facilitating peer during idea will be implemented when perceived need high. provides a robust evidence-based foundation “common-sense” principles, drawing them coherent organised framework method grounded pragmatism. Protocol registration number PROSPERO reference ID: CRD42020162876.