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Operation and organisation of services for people with severe mental illness in the UK

A survey of the Care Programme Approach

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

Justine Schneider ,
John Carpenter  and
Toby Brandon
Justine Schneider*
Affiliation:
Centre for Applied Social Studies, University of Durham
John Carpenter
Affiliation:
Centre for Applied Social Studies, University of Durham
Toby Brandon
Affiliation:
Centre for Applied Social Studies, University of Durham
*
Dr Justine Schneider. Centre for Applied Social Studies. University of Durham. 15 Old Elvet, Durham DHI 3HL. Tel: 0191-372 7243; fax: 0191 374 7629; e-mail: justine.schneider@dur.ac.uk
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Abstract

Background

Since 1991, English mental health policy guidelines have been explicit in recommending inter-professional working, involvement of patients and carers, harmonisation between health and social services and targeting at people with severe mental illness.

Aims

To explore the structure and operation of mental health services in practice and relate them to measurable data.

Method

A survey of mental health trusts was conducted in 1997–1998. Responses were compared with a concurrent survey of social services departments. Some qualitative data were collected. Harmonisation and targeting scores were devised and tested for association.

Results

The response rate was 79%. The frequency with which different professionals, patients and carers were involved in the care process is described. Reasons for this are discussed briefly. Levels of harmonisation and targeting were found to vary widely and to be positively associated.

Conclusions

This survey portrays mental health services' practice in relation to Government policy. However, adherence to guidelines cannot be taken as a guarantee of service quality or efficiency.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 175 , Issue 5 , November 1999 , pp. 422 - 425
Copyright
Copyright © 1999 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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Footnotes

Declaration of interest

The research was funded by the Department of Health. The views expressed are the authors' alone and not those of the Department.

References

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