A methodology for conducting retrospective chart review research in child and adolescent psychiatry.

INTRODUCTION: Retrospective research has become largely undervalued and underutilized in child and adolescent psychiatry with the increasing singular focus on randomized control trials, despite the wealth of clinically relevant data available in historical medical records. In this paper a systematic and scientific approach to chart review research methodology for psychiatry is described. METHOD: Informed by available literature, a methodological stepwise approach for retrospective chart review was developed. RESULTS: A nine step method aimed at maximizing benefits and minimizing limitations is discussed. CONCLUSIONS: Retrospective chart review is an important methodology with distinct advantages and has the potential to provide psychiatry with valuable research opportunities. This method of study should not be lost in the field of psychiatry.

An approach to maximizing treatment adherence of children and adolescents with psychotic disorders and major mood disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Mental health research has consistently focused on high rates of treatment non-adherence, and how inpatient programs and health professionals can effectively confront this reality. The literature has centred almost exclusively on adult populations. Unfortunately, psychotic and major mood disorders are serious and persistent mental health problems that are increasingly recognized as having an early onset, affecting children and adolescents. METHOD: This article draws on a review of the literature and Habermas's three domains of knowledge: technical, practical, and emancipatory. This article has incorporated current research, adherence theories, and the facilitation of the unique local expertise of health professionals to generate a framework. This framework is designed to teach health professionals working in child and adolescent psychiatric inpatient units how they and the larger unit can practice to enhance patient treatment adherence during and after admission. RESULTS: A five-step approach to teach health professionals to enhance treatment adherence has been developed based on current research and educational theories and principles. CONCLUSION: Health professionals working in child and adolescent psychiatry can practice to enhance patient treatment adherence, and improve patient and family outcomes.