Applying to use the system

CAPSS Workshop - Surveillance Epidemiology in Mental Health

Dr Tamsin Ford, Chair of the CAPSS Executive and Richard Lynn, CAPSS Scientific Advisor, will run a full day workshop on how to run a study using CAPSS on Friday 3 May 2013 in London. This is open to anyone with an interest in surveillance epidemiology in Mental Health, including Psychiatrists, Paediatricians, Psychologists, Academics and Trainees.

This workshop is eligible for 5 CPD hours subject to peer group approval.

For more information, or to book a place please email capss@cru.rcpsych.ac.uk

Eligibility

CAPSS can be used to survey a wide range of rare but important disorders and events in the CAMHS field.

The condition of interest is a rare childhood disorder or event (or a rare complication of a more common condition) of such low incidence or prevalence as to require ascertainment of cases on a national scale in order to generate sufficient numbers for study. The CAPSS Executive Committee may also consider inclusion of short-term or geographically limited studies of comparatively more common conditions.

Consideration of suitability takes into account:

* the public health and scientific importance of the study

*  the feasibility and acceptability of the methodology to be employed

Studies will not usually be considered if they are:

*  Expecting more than 300 new cases a year - Clinical trials - Case control studies;

*  Developing a registry - Requires long-term follow up - Requires retrospective reporting

Application process

The CAPSS has a two phase application procedure:

• Phase 1 is a short initial application submitted in order for the CAPSS Executive to understand the condition you wish to undertake. Applications may be rejected at this stage particularly if they do not fit the eligibility criteria.

• Phase 2 is a more detailed application requiring the submission of the research questionnaire, details on costings and administrative support available. Studies may be rejected at this stage, primarily due to the likely difficulties in answering research objectives or problems with a case definition.

Phase 1 application

• Phase 1 Guidelines 2013
• Phase 1 Application Form 2013

Please read the applications guidelines before completion. The application forms must be submitted 1 month before the date of a CAPSS Executive.

• You may be required to attend the Executive to present your application.
• Applications may be rejected at this stage particularly if they do not fit the eligibility criteria.
• If approved a more detailed Phase 2 application will be sought, see Phase 2 Applications/Guidelines (below).
• Approval of the Phase 1 does not mean that the Phase 2 application will be automatically accepted.

Phase 2 application

• Phase 2 Guidelines 2013
• Phase 2 Application Form 2013

PALS - Patient Advice and Liaison Service: providing information, advice and support to help patients, families and their carers.

Please read the applications guidelines before completion. The application forms must be submitted 1 month before the date of a CAPSS Executive.

Advice about involving the public in your study:  

• You may be required to attend the Executive to present your application.
• If the study is approved you will need MREC and NIGB-ECC approval. Visit the IRAS site for the appropriate paperwork.

Future dates of CAPSS Executive Meetings

• Thursday 13 June 2013, 12.30 - 15.30 (deadline for applications: 24 May 2013)