Passport-style guide outlines young people's mental health history

The passport-style document, which can also stored as an electronic file on mobile phones, includes details on current mental health issues, medical history and treatment preferences. Young people can decide what information is included on the record.

The scheme has been developed so that the young person can avoid having to explain about their condition history to each new medical practitioner they see.

The concept was developed by young people, parents and carers working with NHS England, and has emerged in response to the government's Future in Mind report on mental health. The report recommended that children should not have to repeat their medical history to different people.

Jackie Cornish, NHS England's national clinical director for children, young people and transition to adulthood, said: "The passport is a way for young people to own the information about their time in a service and their story; it gives them a level of control they value and means they can share it with other services if they wish.
 
“We hope all care providers will acknowledge the passport and use them across care settings.”

Sarah Brennan, chief executive of YoungMinds, welcomed the "obvious and simple" scheme.

"It should remove the need for repetition about personal information and medical history," she said.

"Children, young people and their families tell us all the time how they find this distressing and frustrating.

"The passport will help inform clinicians and other professionals in providing tailored support and care. The fact that the document is kept with the young person not only gives them ownership, but enables them to share essential information easily when entering into a new service or if they need crisis care."