What is the study about?

The STADIA Trial is investigating whether the use of the Development and Wellbeing Assessment (DAWBA) questionnaire helps support the referral and assessment processes within the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and helps clinicians identify emotional disorders in children and young people. 

Who can take part in the study?

Children and young people (age 5-17 years) presenting with emotional difficulties referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)

What is being tested in the study?

The intervention is a standardised diagnostic assessment (SDA) tool as an adjunct to usual clinical care. The SDA tool will be the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA). The DAWBA will be completed by the parent (and child, if aged 11+) before the referral has been accepted and a summary report will be provided to participants and clinical staff, as an adjunct to usual clinical practice.

What is this being compared to?

Children and young people randomised to the comparator arm will receive usual care (i.e., referral review as usual). Based on standard information provided with the referral a clinical decision is made about whether the referral is accepted and, if so, a clinician conducts the initial CAMHS assessment as per usual practice in the service.

What are we trying to find out?

The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of a standardised diagnostic assessment (SDA) tool as an adjunct to usual clinical care in children and adolescents presenting with emotional difficulties referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

The primary outcome is a clinician-made diagnosis decision about the presence of an emotional disorder within 12 months of randomisation.

Secondary outcomes include, acceptance of the index, or any referral within 12 months of randomisation. Confirmed diagnosis decision, treatments/interventions given. 

How many patients do we need?

1210

Funder

National Institute for Health and Care Research - Health Technology Assessment (NIHR - HTA)

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