The decision to admit a child or adolescent into inpatient care is challenging due to the limited research evidence, the diversity of children and adolescents and their ill-health. Internationally, it has been recognised that inpatient care can be a traumatic experience for children, adolescents, their families, carers and supports. In response to new evidence, approaches and a shift in consumers' expectations of mental health care, the Ministry of Health has published two documents to support clinical decision making.
Accessing inpatient care for children and adolescents is a framework for clinicians and health care providers who are involved in decision making surrounding whether, and under which model of care, to admit children and adolescents into inpatient mental health care.
