Monitoring physical health in child and adolescent mental health inpatient care: findings from the Y-Health longitudinal feasibility study.

Background: Young people with serious mental illness (SMI) face significant physical health inequalities, including increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and other preventable conditions, contributing to a 15-20-year reduction in life expectancy. Those in CAMHS inpatient care are particularly vulnerable due to high levels of psychological distress, psychotropic medication, obesogenic environments and high levels of adverse health behaviours. However, research in this setting is limited. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of monitoring physical health in CAMHS inpatient services, changes to physical and mental health over 6-months and explore young people's experiences of health care. Methods: A longitudinal feasibility study with a separate qualitative component was conducted across three CAMHS inpatient units, assessing physical and mental health at admission, 3-months and 6-months. Feasibility indicators and clinical outcomes including weight, cardiometabolic markers, lifestyle behaviours and wellbeing were collected through self-report, clinical records and physical health checks. A nested qualitative sub-study was conducted to explore participant experiences of physical health care in CAMHS. Results: Twenty-seven participants were recruited across three CAMHS inpatient units, with 93% ( Conclusion: This study provides the first longitudinal feasibility evidence on monitoring physical health among young people in CAMHS inpatient care, demonstrating high acceptability during admission and identifying substantial challenges with post-discharge monitoring. While descriptive trends indicated a high prevalence of physical health risk factors, the study was not powered to detect meaningful change. These findings highlight the need for integrated, developmentally appropriate models of physical health monitoring across inpatient and community services.