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Assertive Outreach: does it reach expectations?
- Authors:
- MINGHELLA Edana, GAUNTLETT Nick, FORD Richard
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health, 11(1), February 2002, pp.27-42.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
The study evaluated two voluntary sector Assertive Outreach (AO) teams. Team structures and functions were measured against an evidence-based model of assertive community treatment (ACT). Targeting and engagement were also considered. Outcome measures comprised mental health, quality of life, social functioning and user satisfaction. Users' contact with mental health services, and costs incurred, were measured. While the teams partly adhered to the ACT model, there were major areas of deviation. The teams had little influence over admission and discharge and no medical input. Local users with frequent hospital admissions were not targeted. Clinical and social outcomes were mixed, and hospital bed use - and, consequently, costs - increased. Conversely, clients valued the teams, especially the practical help provided and staff attitudes. The findings add to growing evidence that lack of adherence to the ACT model and inadequate targeting of the appropriate client group adversely affect outcomes. The question is whether the benefits of user satisfaction and engagement outweigh the costs of disappointing clinical outcomes and increased hospital use.
Developing a model for monitoring the CPA
- Authors:
- ROSE Diana, FORD Richard
- Journal article citation:
- Care Plan, 3(4), June 1997, pp.22-23.
- Publisher:
- Positive Publications/ Anglia Polytechnic University, Faculty of Health and Social Work
Discusses a monitoring project involving service users in frontline research which is providing information for improving the effectiveness of the Care Programme Approach and care management in one London health authority. The authors believe that the project could provide a useful model for other areas.