Descriptive study on continuity of care among a sample of children and youth treated at a Children’s Mental Healthcare Unit

Abstract

In this paper we analyze a sample of 100 children and young adolescents treated in the USMI-J at Juan Ramón Jiménez Hospital in 1986 and its continuity twenty five years later in the USMC in the province of Huelva. The variables studied were distribution by sex, age at the first consult and established diagnoses. Results reveal that of the entire sample, almost 30% of cases consulted in the USMC, prevailing male consulting, unlike what happens in the child and adolescent population where there are no differences by sex. The higher healthcare continuity occurs on patients who receive a clinical diagnosis of Severe Mental Disorder (83.3%). The healthcare continuity is a priority of Servicio Andaluz de Salud (SAS), so studies on the variables that affect it would be necessary, especially for the child and adolescent population, to optimize treatments and resources, thereby improving the quality care.