Objectives: Second opinion is a medical opinion provided by a second physician/ medical expert after first receiving an opinion by another physician/ medical expert. Little is known about the provision of second opinion in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). This study describes the second opinion service provided by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in the South Wales region.
Methods: We undertook a survey of a second opinion service in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). We also assessed whether the recommendations made by the second opinion clinic were implemented by the referrers.
Results: The diagnoses were not changed in 68% of the cases but alternative treatments were suggested. In 90% of the cases the treatment recommended by the clinic was implemented and nearly 70% of the patients showed improvement with the recommended treatment.
Conclusion: A second opinion service can provide valuable support and expertise to CAMHS and the referred families.
