A qualitative exploration of the potential benefits of Nature-based Approaches for staff and Children and Young People in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

TL;DR

This study explores how nature-based approaches could benefit both staff and young people in mental health services.

Contribution

It identifies perceived benefits and challenges of integrating nature-based approaches into CAMHS for the first time.

Findings

Staff reported potential benefits like increased choice and individualisation in treatment.

Nature-based approaches could enhance therapeutic quality and offer greater autonomy and creativity.

Themes of cultural tension and the need for governance support were also identified.

Abstract

Across the UK there are concerns about young people’s mental health, with rates of ill health increasing and referrals to Child and Adolescent Mental Health services (CAMHS) doubling. This study explores the potential benefits of incorporating Nature-Based Approaches (NBAs) within CAMHS. Providers are understaffed, under-resourced and under pressure. NBAs offer a way of working which could address some of these challenges, yet little is known about the potential benefits of NBAs in the context of CAMHS. The project aimed to explore staff understanding of NBAs, and to identify potential benefits of integrating NBAs into practice. Staff within a South of England CAMHS service were asked to complete a survey and qualitative interview to explore staff perspectives on using NBAs in their practice. Staff were also given the opportunity to attend a nature-based training course. All participants were sampled from one NHS Trust and the study was open to all staff whether or not they had attended the training. Data were synthesised to produce an understanding of staff attitudes towards NBAs and the potential benefits of this approach. Ninety-seven staff responded to the survey, and fourteen staff members were interviewed. Data synthesis generated three themes: Tension between the culture of CAMHS and NBAs (Theme 1) and the need for buy-in and governance support (Theme 2), whilst Theme 3 describes the potential benefits of NBAs for staff and service users in CAMHS and is the focus of this paper. This study highlights the perceived benefits of adopting NBAs for both CAMHS service users and staff. Participants noted advantages including increased choice, individualisation, enhanced therapeutic quality, and new ways of working that offer greater autonomy, creativity, and flexibility at individual and service level. Further research is recommended to explore the full potential of NBAs to enhance service user and staff experiences in CAMHS.

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