Abstract
Background
Adolescents with mental health conditions need stable care structures during their transition to adulthood. The traditionally mandated transfer from child and adolescent psychiatry to adult psychiatric care at the age of 18 does not satisfy this need. A new amendment to the medical training regulations (Ärzteausbildungsordnung), effective May 15, 2024, now officially allows child and adolescent psychiatrists (CAPs) in Austria to continue treatment beyond the age of 18. This study is the first to analyze CAPs’ assessments of the amendment and aims to
document initial effects on care provision.
Methodology
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 child and adolescent psychiatrists (CAPs) working in various settings. Data analysis was performed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis.
Results
The study shows that the amendment was introduced unexpectedly for many CAPs, with some private practitioners expressing frustration over the lack of preparation time. Despite this, the reform was largely welcomed and even considered overdue by some. However, given the high patient load, many CAPs still allocate their limited resources to minors, leaving the amendment’s impact minimal. In the inpatient sector, persistent bed shortages have also hindered any substantial changes.
Conclusions
While the amendment receives substantive approval from the interviewed CAPs, yet existing resource constraints in both inpatient and outpatient sectors prevent the realization of its potential. The improvements in psychiatric care for transition-age patients intended by the amendment will likely not materialize without capacity expansion.
Adolescents with mental health conditions need stable care structures during their transition to adulthood. The traditionally mandated transfer from child and adolescent psychiatry to adult psychiatric care at the age of 18 does not satisfy this need. A new amendment to the medical training regulations (Ärzteausbildungsordnung), effective May 15, 2024, now officially allows child and adolescent psychiatrists (CAPs) in Austria to continue treatment beyond the age of 18. This study is the first to analyze CAPs’ assessments of the amendment and aims to
document initial effects on care provision.
Methodology
Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 child and adolescent psychiatrists (CAPs) working in various settings. Data analysis was performed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis.
Results
The study shows that the amendment was introduced unexpectedly for many CAPs, with some private practitioners expressing frustration over the lack of preparation time. Despite this, the reform was largely welcomed and even considered overdue by some. However, given the high patient load, many CAPs still allocate their limited resources to minors, leaving the amendment’s impact minimal. In the inpatient sector, persistent bed shortages have also hindered any substantial changes.
Conclusions
While the amendment receives substantive approval from the interviewed CAPs, yet existing resource constraints in both inpatient and outpatient sectors prevent the realization of its potential. The improvements in psychiatric care for transition-age patients intended by the amendment will likely not materialize without capacity expansion.
Translated title of the contribution | The Amendment to the Medical Training Regulations on Continued Treatment by Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists Beyond the Age of Majority: A Qualitative Analysis of Attitudes and Clinical Practice |
---|---|
Original language | German |
Journal | Neuropsychiatrie |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 30 May 2025 |