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Tholen MG, Martin A, Stemeseder T, Vikoler T, Wageneder B, Aichhorn W, Kaiser AK. Evaluation of a flexible assertive community treatment (FACT) program for patients with severe mental illness: an observational study in Salzburg, Austria. Int J Ment Health Syst 2024; 18:6. [PMID: 38336693 PMCID: PMC10858489 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-024-00628-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inpatient treatment of severe mentally ill patients binds substantial resources and creates the dilemma of "revolving-door hospitalizations". Evidence suggests that these patients benefit more from an assertive outreach community psychiatric treatment. This descriptive study evaluates the implementation of a new treatment program for severe mentally ill patients provided by a flexible assertive community treatment (FACT) team. METHODS An uncontrolled design with routine data was used to measure the total length of stays, readmission rates and number of contacts one year prior to the implementation of the FACT program and the following first three years of treatment. RESULTS A continuous decrease of hospitalization among patients with severe mental illness was observed with the implementation of the FACT program with declines in total length of stays and readmission rates and accompanied with a decreasing number of contacts per year. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that this program may create effects in stabilizing patients with severe mental illness and may be highly relevant also for other patient groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Gerhard Tholen
- Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Anna Martin
- Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Theresa Stemeseder
- Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Thomas Vikoler
- Department of Psychology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Barbara Wageneder
- Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Aichhorn
- Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Andreas Kurt Kaiser
- Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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Maeng D, Tsun ZY, Lesch E, Jacobowitz DB, Strawderman RL, Harrington DK, Li Y, Weisman RL, Lamberti JS. Affordability of Forensic Assertive Community Treatment Programs: A Return-on-Investment Analysis. Psychiatr Serv 2023; 74:358-364. [PMID: 36065582 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.20220186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In this study, the authors assessed return on investment (ROI) associated with a forensic assertive community treatment (FACT) program. METHODS A retrospective secondary data analysis of a randomized controlled trial comprising 70 legal-involved patients with severe mental illness was conducted in Rochester, New York. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either FACT or outpatient psychiatric treatment including intensive case management. Unit of service costs associated with psychiatric emergency department visits, psychiatric inpatient days, and days in jail were obtained from records of New York State Medicaid and the Department of Corrections. The total dollar value difference between the two trial arms calculated on a per-patient-per-year (PPPY) basis constituted the return from the FACT intervention. The FACT investment cost was defined by the total additional PPPY cost associated with FACT implementation relative to the control group. ROI was calculated by dividing the return by the investment cost. RESULTS The estimated return from FACT was $27,588 PPPY (in 2019 dollars; 95% confidence interval [CI]=$3,262-$51,913), which was driven largely by reductions in psychiatric inpatient days, and the estimated investment cost was $18,440 PPPY (95% CI=$15,215-$21,665), implying an ROI of 1.50 (95% CI=0.35-2.97) for FACT. CONCLUSIONS The Rochester FACT program was associated with approximately $1.50 return for every $1 spent on its implementation, even without considering potential returns from other sources, including reductions in acute medical care, crime-related damages, and public safety costs. ROI estimates were highly dependent on context-specific factors, particularly Medicaid reimbursement rates for assertive community treatment and hospital stays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Maeng
- Departments of Psychiatry (Maeng, Tsun, Lesch, Jacobowitz, Weisman, Lamberti), Biostatistics and Computational Biology (Strawderman, Harrington), and Public Health Sciences (Li), University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Zhi-Yang Tsun
- Departments of Psychiatry (Maeng, Tsun, Lesch, Jacobowitz, Weisman, Lamberti), Biostatistics and Computational Biology (Strawderman, Harrington), and Public Health Sciences (Li), University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Eric Lesch
- Departments of Psychiatry (Maeng, Tsun, Lesch, Jacobowitz, Weisman, Lamberti), Biostatistics and Computational Biology (Strawderman, Harrington), and Public Health Sciences (Li), University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - David B Jacobowitz
- Departments of Psychiatry (Maeng, Tsun, Lesch, Jacobowitz, Weisman, Lamberti), Biostatistics and Computational Biology (Strawderman, Harrington), and Public Health Sciences (Li), University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Robert L Strawderman
- Departments of Psychiatry (Maeng, Tsun, Lesch, Jacobowitz, Weisman, Lamberti), Biostatistics and Computational Biology (Strawderman, Harrington), and Public Health Sciences (Li), University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Donald K Harrington
- Departments of Psychiatry (Maeng, Tsun, Lesch, Jacobowitz, Weisman, Lamberti), Biostatistics and Computational Biology (Strawderman, Harrington), and Public Health Sciences (Li), University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Yue Li
- Departments of Psychiatry (Maeng, Tsun, Lesch, Jacobowitz, Weisman, Lamberti), Biostatistics and Computational Biology (Strawderman, Harrington), and Public Health Sciences (Li), University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - Robert L Weisman
- Departments of Psychiatry (Maeng, Tsun, Lesch, Jacobowitz, Weisman, Lamberti), Biostatistics and Computational Biology (Strawderman, Harrington), and Public Health Sciences (Li), University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
| | - J Steven Lamberti
- Departments of Psychiatry (Maeng, Tsun, Lesch, Jacobowitz, Weisman, Lamberti), Biostatistics and Computational Biology (Strawderman, Harrington), and Public Health Sciences (Li), University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York
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van Genk C, Roeg D, van Vugt M, van Weeghel J, Van Regenmortel T. Current insights of community mental healthcare for people with severe mental illness: A scoping review. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1156235. [PMID: 37143787 PMCID: PMC10151504 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1156235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background For the last four decades, there has been a shift in mental healthcare toward more rehabilitation and following a more humanistic and comprehensive vision on recovery for persons with severe mental illness (SMI). Consequently, many community-based mental healthcare programs and services have been developed internationally. Currently, community mental healthcare is still under development, with a focus on further inclusion of persons with enduring mental health problems. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of existing and upcoming community mental healthcare approaches to discover the current vision on the ingredients of community mental healthcare. Methods We conducted a scoping review by systematically searching four databases, supplemented with the results of Research Rabbit, a hand-search in reference lists and 10 volumes of two leading journals. We included studies on adults with SMI focusing on stimulating independent living, integrated care, recovery, and social inclusion published in English between January 2011 and December 2022 in peer-reviewed journals. Results The search resulted in 56 papers that met the inclusion criteria. Thematic analysis revealed ingredients in 12 areas: multidisciplinary teams; collaboration within and outside the organization; attention to several aspects of health; supporting full citizenship; attention to the recovery of daily life; collaboration with the social network; tailored support; well-trained staff; using digital technologies; housing and living environment; sustainable policies and funding; and reciprocity in relationships. Conclusion We found 12 areas of ingredients, including some innovative topics about reciprocity and sustainable policies and funding. There is much attention to individual ingredients for good community-based mental healthcare, but very little is known about their integration and implementation in contemporary, fragmented mental healthcare services. For future studies, we recommend more empirical research on community mental healthcare, as well as further investigation(s) from the social service perspective, and solid research on general terminology about SMI and outpatient support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline van Genk
- School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tranzo Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Caroline van Genk,
| | - Diana Roeg
- School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tranzo Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
- Kwintes Housing and Rehabilitation Services, Zeist, Netherlands
| | - Maaike van Vugt
- Trimbos Institute, Dutch Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, Utrecht, Netherlands
- HVO-Querido, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jaap van Weeghel
- School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tranzo Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - Tine Van Regenmortel
- School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tranzo Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
- Faculty of Social Sciences – HIVA, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Equal access to outreach mental health care? Exploring how the place of residence influences the use of intensive home treatment in a rural catchment area in Germany. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:826. [PMID: 36572855 PMCID: PMC9791145 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04477-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internationally, intensive psychiatric home treatment has been increasingly implemented as a community-based alternative to inpatient admission. Since 2018, the so-called Inpatient Equivalent Home Treatment (IEHT; German: "Stationsäquivalente Behandlung", short: "StäB") has been introduced as a particularly intensive form of home treatment that provides at least one daily treatment contact in the service users' (SU) home environment. Prior research shows that this can be challenging in rural catchment areas. Our paper investigates to which extent the location of the SU home location within the catchment area as well as the distance between the home and the clinic influence the utilisation of inpatient treatment compared to IEHT. METHOD Routine data of one psychiatric hospital in the federal state of Brandenburg in Germany were analysed for the observational period 07/2018-06/2021. Two comparison groups were formed: SU receiving inpatient treatment and SU receiving IEHT. The SU places of residence were respectively anonymised and converted into geo-coordinates. A geographic information system (GIS) was used to visualise the places of residence, and car travel distances as well as travel times to the clinic were determined. Spatial analyses were performed to show the differences between comparison groups. In a more in-depth analysis, the proximity of SU residences to each other was examined as an indicator of possible clustering. RESULTS During the observational period, the location of 687 inpatient and 140 IEHT unique SU were mapped using the GIS. SU receiving treatment resided predominantly within the catchment area, and this proportion was slightly higher for SU receiving IEHT than for those treated in inpatient setting (95.3% vs. 84.7%). In the catchment area, the geographical distribution of SU place of residence was similar in the two groups. There was a general higher service provision in the more densely populated communities close to Berlin. SU with residence in peripheral communities were mainly treated within the inpatient setting. The mean travel times and distances to the place of residence only differed minimally between the two groups of SU (p > 0.05). The places of residence of SU treated with IEHT were located in greater proximity to each other than those of SU treated in inpatient setting (p < 0.1). CONCLUSION In especially peripheral parts of the examined catchment area, it may be more difficult to have access to IEHT rather than to inpatient services. The results raise questions regarding health equity and the planning of health care services and have important implications for the further development of intensive home treatment. Telehealth interventions such as blended-care approaches and an increase of flexibility in treatment intensity, e.g. eliminating the daily visit requirement, could ease the implementation of intensive home treatment especially in rural areas.
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Munch Nielsen C, Hjorthøj C, Arnfred BT, Nordentoft M. Patient Outcomes of Flexible Assertive Community Treatment Compared With Assertive Community Treatment. Psychiatr Serv 2022:appips20220235. [PMID: 36475824 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.20220235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In many European countries, flexible assertive community treatment (FACT) has replaced assertive community treatment (ACT) despite limited evidence for FACT's effectiveness in improving functional and patient-reported outcomes. This study evaluated the effectiveness of FACT relative to ACT in improving functioning, client satisfaction, and the working alliance. METHODS The authors used a nonblinded, quasi-experimental controlled study design to compare outcomes of patients treated by ACT teams that were reconfigured to FACT teams with those of patients treated by a remaining ACT team. Patients from nine ACT teams in the Capital Region of Denmark were included. Six of the nine ACT teams were reconfigured to FACT in 2018 and 2019 by integrating them with community mental health teams. The remaining three ACT teams were used as control groups. Assignment to treatment was based solely on administrative considerations. RESULTS The study included 131 patients (FACT, N=74; ACT, N=57). Patients treated by FACT teams had poorer personal and social functioning than patients assigned to ACT teams (adjusted difference in means=-2.9, 95% CI=-5.8 to -0.1). No between-group differences were found in client satisfaction or working alliance. CONCLUSIONS Patients treated by FACT teams had significantly lower functioning than patients treated by ACT teams, but the clinical relevance or causality of this finding remains unclear. Given the reconfiguration of the FACT teams during follow-up, along with substantial drop-out rates and baseline differences between the two groups, these results must be interpreted with caution. The findings require further examination in a randomized controlled trial that includes fidelity measures of the treatment models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Munch Nielsen
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen (all authors); Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Hjorthøj)
| | - Carsten Hjorthøj
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen (all authors); Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Hjorthøj)
| | - Benjamin Thorup Arnfred
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen (all authors); Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Hjorthøj)
| | - Merete Nordentoft
- Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen (all authors); Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen (Hjorthøj)
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Trane K, Aasbrenn K, Rønningen M, Odden S, Lexén A, Landheim AS. Flexible Assertive Community Treatment in Rural and Remote Areas: A Qualitative Study of the Challenges and Adaptations of the Model. Front Public Health 2022; 10:913159. [PMID: 35983354 PMCID: PMC9379540 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.913159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundFlexible assertive community treatment (FACT) is an innovative model for providing long-term treatment to people with severe mental illness. The model was developed in the Netherlands but is now used in other countries, including Norway, which has a geography different from the Netherlands, with many rural and remote areas. Implementation of innovations is context dependent. The FACT model's potential in rural and remote areas has not been studied. Therefore, we aimed to gain knowledge regarding the challenges and modifications of the model in rural and remote contexts and discuss how they can affect the model's potential in such areas. This knowledge can improve the understanding of how FACT or similar services can be adapted to function most optimally in such conditions. We sought to address the following questions: Which elements of the FACT model do team leaders of the rural FACT teams find particularly challenging due to the context, and what modifications have the teams made to the model?MethodsDigital interviews were conducted with five team leaders from five rural FACT teams in different parts of Norway. They were selected using purposive sampling to include team leaders from some of the most rural teams in Norway. The interviews were analyzed using thematic text analysis.ResultsThe following three themes described elements of the FACT model that were experienced particularly challenging in the rural and remote context: multidisciplinary shared caseload approach, intensive outreach and crisis management. The following eight themes described the modifications that the teams had made to the model: intermunicipal collaboration, context-adaptive planning, delegation of tasks to municipal services, part-time employment, different geographical locations of staff, use of digital tools, fewer FACT board meetings, and reduced caseload.ConclusionsRural and remote contexts challenge the FACT model's potential. However, modifications can be made, some of which can be considered innovative modifications that can increase the model's potential in such areas, while others might move the teams further away from the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Trane
- The Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Inland Hospital Trust, Hamar, Norway
- *Correspondence: Kristin Trane
| | | | | | - Sigrun Odden
- The Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Inland Hospital Trust, Hamar, Norway
| | | | - Anne Signe Landheim
- The Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Inland Hospital Trust, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
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Integration of Care in Complex and Fragmented Service Systems: Experiences of Staff in Flexible Assertive Community Treatment Teams. Int J Integr Care 2022; 22:17. [PMID: 35651735 PMCID: PMC9139156 DOI: 10.5334/ijic.6011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: To provide more integrated care, several countries have implemented the Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) model. However, this model does not guarantee full integration, especially in complex and fragmented service systems like in Norway. Hence, we investigated which barriers that might reduce the potential for integrated care in the Norwegian system, as described by staff in FACT teams, and how they adjust their way of working to increase the opportunities for integration. Methods: Online focus group interviews involving 35 staff members of five Norwegian FACT teams were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. The material was analysed using thematic text analysis. Results: Six themes described the barriers to integrated care in the service system: fragmentation, different legislation and digital systems, challenges in collaboration, bureaucracy and limited opening hours. Three themes described adjustments in the teams’ way of working to enhance integration: working as the responsible co-ordinator, being a collaborator, and the only entry channel into the service system. Conclusion: The FACT team staff described several barriers to integration within the system. However, they made some adjustments in their way of working that might provide opportunities for integrated care within complex and fragmented service systems.
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Broersen M, Frieswijk N, Coolen R, Creemers DHM, Kroon H. Case Study in Youth Flexible Assertive Community Treatment: An Illustration of the Need for Integrated Care. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:903523. [PMID: 35633809 PMCID: PMC9133493 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.903523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Youth Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (Youth Flexible ACT) is a client- and family-centered service delivery model for young people up to 24 years of age who have interrelated psychiatric- and social problems across multiple life domains and do not readily engage with office-based mental health services. Youth Flexible ACT teams were set up to meet the multifaceted needs of this subgroup in an integrated manner. In this paper, we present a case study to (1) describe the core principles of Youth Flexible ACT and (2) illustrate the application of the mental healthcare model. Subsequently, we describe the contribution of model elements to a positive care process and discuss the challenges of the team in working with the model. The case study displays the importance of integrated flexible and personalized care services to enable adolescents to remain engaged in care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke Broersen
- GGZ Oost Brabant, Oss, Netherlands.,Tranzo - Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Hans Kroon
- Tranzo - Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, Netherlands.,Trimbos Institute, Utrecht, Netherlands
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The Greek Hybrid Version of the Assertive Community Treatment Model: A Perspective View between Challenges and Limitations. PSYCH 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/psych3040050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) model of care has been long considered to be effective in the management of patients with severe mental illness (SMI) in most Western countries. The implementation of the original ACT model may be particularly challenging in rural and remote communities with small and dispersed populations and lack of adequate mental health services. Rural programs may have to adapt the model and modify the ACT fidelity standards to accommodate these limitations, and this is the rationale for the introduction of more flexible, hybrid ACT models. In rural Greece, the so called Mobile Mental Health Units (MMHUs) are well-established community mental health services. For patients with SMI that have difficulties engaging with treatment services, the new hybrid ACT model has been recently launched. The objective of this manuscript is to present the recently launched hybrid ACT model in rural areas in Greece and to explore the challenges and limitations in its implementation from the experience of a team of mental health professionals with ACT experience. Referral criteria have not been strictly set, but the number of previous relapses and hospitalizations is taken under consideration, as well as the history of poor treatment adherence and disengagement from mental health services. The main limitation in the implementation of the hybrid ACT service is that it has been introduced in several areas in the absence of a pre-existing community mental health service. This may impact referrals and limit focus on the difficult cases of patients with SMI, thus making the evaluation of the model inapplicable.
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Tjaden C, Mulder CL, den Hollander W, Castelein S, Delespaul P, Keet R, van Weeghel J, Kroon H. Effectiveness of Resource Groups for Improving Empowerment, Quality of Life, and Functioning of People With Severe Mental Illness: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry 2021; 78:1309-1318. [PMID: 34643679 PMCID: PMC8515257 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.2880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Although the importance of recovery-oriented care for people with severe mental illness (SMI) is widely acknowledged, essential elements such as personalization and involvement of significant others are not adequately implemented in practice. OBJECTIVE To determine whether using resource groups (RGs) within flexible assertive community treatment (FACT) has favorable effects on empowerment and recovery-related outcomes in people with SMI. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This assessor-blind, multisite randomized clinical trial was conducted from September 1, 2017, to September 30, 2020, with follow-up at 9 and 18 months. A total of 158 participants aged 18 to 65 years meeting the criteria for SMI were randomly allocated to FACT plus RG vs FACT as usual (1:1) in 20 FACT teams throughout the Netherlands. Data were analyzed from September 1, 2020, to January 31, 2021. The study was prespecified in the trial protocol and data from the intent-to-treat population were analyzed. INTERVENTIONS In the FACT plus RG condition, patients chose members from their informal and formal networks to form an RG that meets quarterly to discuss self-formulated recovery goals. The RG was integrated into the multidisciplinary support provided by the FACT team. In the FACT as-usual condition, empowerment (defined as overcoming powerlessness and gaining control of one's life) and involvement of significant others was also part of the provided care, but without the structure of the RG. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was self-reported empowerment, measured with the Netherlands Empowerment List. RESULTS A total of 158 participants with SMI (median age, 38 [median absolute deviation, 13] years; 93 men [58.9%]) were randomized to FACT plus RG (n = 80) or FACT as usual (n = 78) care. Intention-to-treat analyses showed that randomization to the RG condition was associated with a clinically significant increase in empowerment (Cohen d, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.21-0.86) and improved outcomes with small to medium effect sizes in terms of quality of life (Cohen d, 0.25; 95% CI, -0.07 to 0.56), personal recovery (Cohen d, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.06-0.69), quality of social contact (Cohen d, 0.24; 95% CI, -0.07 to 0.56), disability (Cohen d, 0.29; 95% CI, -0.03 to 0.60), general functioning (Cohen d, 0.30; 95% CI, -0.01 to 0.62), and social functioning (Cohen d, 0.28; 95% CI, -0.04 to 0.59). No differences between conditions were found regarding psychopathological symptoms, attachment, frequency of social contact, and employment. Compared with FACT as usual, participants who stayed with the assigned treatment in the RG condition were more satisfied with treatment at 9 (Cohen d = 0.45; t135 = -2.62; P = .009) and 18 (Cohen d = 0.41; t116 = -2.22; P = .02) months. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE These findings show that working with RGs improves empowerment and other mental health outcomes in people with SMI who receive community-based mental health services. This method of network-oriented care empowers people with SMI within their own environment. TRIAL REGISTRATION Netherlands Trial Register Identifier: NL6548.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathelijn Tjaden
- Department of Reintegration and Community Care, Trimbos Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands,Tranzo Scientific Center for Care and Welfare, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
| | - Cornelis L. Mulder
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands,Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter den Hollander
- Department of Reintegration and Community Care, Trimbos Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Stynke Castelein
- Lentis Research, Lentis Psychiatric Institute, Groningen, the Netherlands,Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands,Rob Giel Research Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Philippe Delespaul
- School of Mental Health and NeuroSciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands,Mondriaan Mental Health Trust, Maastricht/Heerlen, the Netherlands
| | - Rene Keet
- Department of Community Mental Health, GGZ Noord-Holland-Noord, Heiloo, the Netherlands
| | - Jaap van Weeghel
- Tranzo Scientific Center for Care and Welfare, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands,Phrenos Centre of Expertise, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Kroon
- Department of Reintegration and Community Care, Trimbos Institute, Utrecht, the Netherlands,Tranzo Scientific Center for Care and Welfare, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands
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Roth C, Wensing M, Kuzman MR, Bjedov S, Medved S, Istvanovic A, Grbic DS, Simetin IP, Tomcuk A, Dedovic J, Djurisic T, Nica RI, Rotaru T, Novotni A, Bajraktarov S, Milutinovic M, Nakov V, Zarkov Z, Dinolova R, Walters BH, Shields-Zeeman L, Petrea I. Experiences of healthcare staff providing community-based mental healthcare as a multidisciplinary community mental health team in Central and Eastern Europe findings from the RECOVER-E project: an observational intervention study. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:525. [PMID: 34689733 PMCID: PMC8543797 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03542-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs) deliver healthcare that supports the recovery of people with mental illness. The aim of this paper was to explore to what extent team members of five CMHTs newly implemented in five countries perceived that they had introduced aspects of the recovery-oriented, strength-based approach into care after a training week on recovery-oriented practice. In addition, it evaluated what the team members' perceptions on their care roles and their level of confidence with this role were. METHOD An observational intervention study using a quantitative survey that was administered among 52 health professionals (21 Nurses, 13 Psychiatrists, 9 Psychologists, 8 Social Workers) and 14 peer workers including the Recovery Self-Assessment Tool Provider Version (RSA-P), the Team Member Self-Assessment Tool (TMSA), and demographic questions was conducted. The measures were self-reported. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate the means and standard deviations for continuous variables and frequencies and percentages for categorical variables (TMSA tool and demographic data). The standard technique to calculate scale scores for each subscale of the RSA-P was used. Bivariate linear regression analyses were applied to explore the impact of predictors on the subscales of the RSA-P. Predictors with significant effects were included in multiple regression models. RESULT The RSA-P showed that all teams had the perception that they provide recovery-oriented practice to a moderately high degree after a training week on recovery-oriented care (mean scores between 3.85-4.46). Health professionals with fewer years of professional experience perceived more frequently that they operated in a recovery-oriented way (p = 0.036, B = - 0.268). Nurses and peer workers did not feel confident or responsible to fulfil specific roles. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that a one-week training session on community-based practices and collaborative teamwork may enhance recovery-oriented practice, but the role of nurses and peer workers needs further attention. TRIAL REGISTRATION Each trial was registered before participant enrolment in the clinicaltrials.gov database: Croatia, Zagreb (Trial Reg. No. NCT03862209 ); Montenegro, Kotor (Trial Reg. No. NCT03837340 ); Romania, Suceava (Trial Reg. No. NCT03884933 ); Macedonia, Skopje (Trial Reg. No. NCT03892473 ); Bulgaria, Sofia (Trial Reg. No. NCT03922425 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Catharina Roth
- grid.5253.10000 0001 0328 4908Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Marsilius Arcades, West Tower, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michel Wensing
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Marsilius Arcades, West Tower, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Martina Rojnic Kuzman
- grid.412688.10000 0004 0397 9648Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Zagreb University Hospital Centre, Kišpatićeva ul. 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia ,grid.4808.40000 0001 0657 4636Zagreb School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sarah Bjedov
- grid.412688.10000 0004 0397 9648Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Zagreb University Hospital Centre, Kišpatićeva ul. 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sara Medved
- grid.412688.10000 0004 0397 9648Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, Zagreb University Hospital Centre, Kišpatićeva ul. 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Istvanovic
- grid.413299.40000 0000 8878 5439Croatian Institute of Public Health, Rockefellerova ul. 7, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Danijela Stimac Grbic
- grid.413299.40000 0000 8878 5439Croatian Institute of Public Health, Rockefellerova ul. 7, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Pavic Simetin
- grid.413299.40000 0000 8878 5439Croatian Institute of Public Health, Rockefellerova ul. 7, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Aleksandar Tomcuk
- Health Institution Special Psychiatric Hospital Dobrota Kotor, Dobrota bb, 85330 Kotor, Montenegro
| | - Jovo Dedovic
- Health Institution Special Psychiatric Hospital Dobrota Kotor, Dobrota bb, 85330 Kotor, Montenegro
| | - Tatijana Djurisic
- Public Health Institute of Montenegro, Dzona Dzeksona bb, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Raluca Ileana Nica
- Institute Liga Romana pentru Sanatate Mintala, Sos. Mihai Bravu 90-96, Bucuresti-Sector 2, Romania
| | - Tiberiu Rotaru
- Siret Psychiatric Hospital, Strada 9 Mai 5, 725500 Siret, Romania
| | - Antoni Novotni
- grid.452081.aUniversity Clinic of Psychiatry, Мајка Тереза 17, Mother Teresa 17, Skopje, 1000 North Macedonia
| | - Stojan Bajraktarov
- grid.452081.aUniversity Clinic of Psychiatry, Мајка Тереза 17, Mother Teresa 17, Skopje, 1000 North Macedonia
| | - Milos Milutinovic
- grid.452081.aUniversity Clinic of Psychiatry, Мајка Тереза 17, Mother Teresa 17, Skopje, 1000 North Macedonia
| | - Vladimir Nakov
- National Centre of Public Health and Analyses, Directorate Mental Health and Prevention of Addictions, Acad. Ivan Evst. Geshov 15 blvd., 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Zahari Zarkov
- National Centre of Public Health and Analyses, Directorate Mental Health and Prevention of Addictions, Acad. Ivan Evst. Geshov 15 blvd., 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Roumyana Dinolova
- National Centre of Public Health and Analyses, Directorate Mental Health and Prevention of Addictions, Acad. Ivan Evst. Geshov 15 blvd., 1431 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Bethany Hipple Walters
- grid.416017.50000 0001 0835 8259Dutch Institute for Mental Health and Addiction/Trimbos Institute, Da Costakade 45, 3521 Utrecht, VS Netherlands
| | - Laura Shields-Zeeman
- grid.416017.50000 0001 0835 8259Dutch Institute for Mental Health and Addiction/Trimbos Institute, Da Costakade 45, 3521 Utrecht, VS Netherlands
| | - Ionela Petrea
- grid.416017.50000 0001 0835 8259Dutch Institute for Mental Health and Addiction/Trimbos Institute, Da Costakade 45, 3521 Utrecht, VS Netherlands ,Present Address: INSIGHT International Institute for Mental Health and Integrated Health Systems, Cornelis Anthoniszstraat 23-1, 1071VP Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Brekke E, Clausen HK, Brodahl M, Lexén A, Keet R, Mulder CL, Landheim AS. Service User Experiences of How Flexible Assertive Community Treatment May Support or Inhibit Citizenship: A Qualitative Study. Front Psychol 2021; 12:727013. [PMID: 34566813 PMCID: PMC8457351 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.727013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore and describe service user experiences of how receiving services from a Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) team may support or inhibit citizenship. Within a participatory design, individual interviews with 32 service users from five Norwegian FACT teams were analyzed using thematic, cross-sectional analysis. The findings showed that FACT may support citizenship by relating to service users as whole people, facilitating empowerment and involvement, and providing practical and accessible help. Experiences of coercion, limited involvement and authoritarian aspects of the system surrounding FACT had inhibited citizenship for participants in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Brekke
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Inland Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Hanne K. Clausen
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Inland Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
- Department of Research and Development, Division of Mental Health Services, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Morten Brodahl
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Inland Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Annika Lexén
- Department of Health Sciences, Medical Faculty, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Rene Keet
- Flexible, Innovative Top-ambulatory Academy of Community Mental Health Service, Geestelijke Gezondheidszorg Noord-Holland-Noord, Heerhugowaard, Netherlands
| | - Cornelis L. Mulder
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Center (MC), University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anne S. Landheim
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Inland Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway
- Department of Health and Nursing Sciences, Faculty of Social and Health Sciences, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
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Lama TC, Fu Y, Davis JA. Exploring the ideal practice for occupational therapists on assertive community treatment teams. Br J Occup Ther 2021. [DOI: 10.1177/03080226211026558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Canadian occupational therapists are employed as case managers on assertive community treatment (ACT) teams to support community living for individuals with severe and persistent mental illnesses. In this position, occupational therapists act primarily as generalists, typically attending appointments with clients, supervising medication adherence, supporting basic living needs, and managing client crises. Occupational therapists may also provide psychotherapy and coping skill groups, as well as profession-specific practices, such as skills training. Exploring how ACT occupational therapists describe their perceived ideal practice may support transformation in long-standing, occupational therapy practices on ACT teams. Method This qualitative, interpretive description study involved 11 Canadian ACT team occupational therapists in one individual, semi-structured in-depth interview using an interview guide containing open-ended questions. Interview transcripts were analyzed to identify themes pertaining to therapists’ descriptions of their perceived ideal occupational therapy practice on ACT teams. Results Three themes emerged: (a) Engaging in practice “with intention”; (b) Finding the space for occupational therapy practice; and (c) Supporting clients in their recovery to find their best occupational self. Conclusions The findings highlight practice possibilities for occupational therapist working on ACT teams and provide a foundation for advocating for better use of specific occupational therapy practices within community mental health settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tenzin C Lama
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Yumeng Fu
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jane A Davis
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Trane K, Aasbrenn K, Rønningen M, Odden S, Lexén A, Landheim A. Flexible assertive community treatment teams can change complex and fragmented service systems: experiences of service providers. Int J Ment Health Syst 2021; 15:38. [PMID: 33892769 PMCID: PMC8067287 DOI: 10.1186/s13033-021-00463-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Implementing innovative health service models in existing service systems is complicated and context dependent. Flexible assertive community treatment (FACT) is a multidisciplinary service model aimed at providing integrated care for people with severe mental illness. The model was developed in the Netherlands and is now used in several countries, such as Norway. The Norwegian service system is complex and fragmented, with challenges in collaboration. Limited research has been performed on FACT teams and other new integrative health service models as part of such systems. However, such knowledge is important for future adjustments of innovation processes and service systems. Our aim was to explore how FACT teams are integrated into the existing formal public service system, how they function and affect the system, and describe some influencing factors to this. We sought to address how service providers in the existing service system experience the functioning of FACT teams in the system. METHODS Five focus group interviews were undertaken 3 years after the FACT teams were implemented. Forty service providers representing different services from both levels of administration (primary and specialist healthcare) from different Norwegian regions participated in this study. Team leaders of the FACT teams also participated. Service providers were recruited through purposeful sampling. Interviews were analysed using thematic text analysis. RESULTS The analysis revealed five main themes regarding FACT teams: (1) They form a bridge between different services; (2) They collaborate with other services; (3) They undertake responsibility and reassure other services; (4) They do not close all gaps in service systems; and (5) They are part of a service system that hampers their functioning. CONCLUSIONS The FACT teams in this study contributed to positive changes in the existing service system. They largely contributed to less complex and fragmented systems by forming a bridge and undertaking responsibility in the system and by collaborating with and reassuring other services; this has reduced some gaps in the system. The way FACT teams function and needs of the existing system appear to have contributed positively to these findings. However, complexity and fragmentation of the system partly hamper functioning of the FACT teams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Trane
- Inland Hospital Trust, The Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Hamar, Norway.
| | | | | | - Sigrun Odden
- Inland Hospital Trust, The Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Hamar, Norway
| | - Annika Lexén
- Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anne Landheim
- Inland Hospital Trust, The Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Hamar, Norway
- Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Hamar, Norway
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The effect of flexible assertive community treatment in Denmark: a quasi-experimental controlled study. Lancet Psychiatry 2021; 8:27-35. [PMID: 33091344 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(20)30424-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Flexible assertive community treatment (FACT) is a community-based treatment model for patients with severe mental illness that has been widely implemented despite little evidence for its effectiveness. We aimed to evaluate the effect of FACT on mental health care outcomes compared with treatment from standard community mental health teams (CMHTs) or assertive community treatment (ACT) teams in Denmark. METHODS We did a quasi-experimental, propensity-score matched, controlled study in five FACT teams, four ACT teams, and five CMHTs in the Capital Region of Denmark. The FACT teams were established on May 1, 2016 (the index date). Patients were identified through the Danish Psychiatric Register and the study population consisted of all patients receiving care from any of these teams on the index date. Assignment to treatment was based on administrative considerations and was not done by the researchers. Patient data were collected from Danish registers. The primary outcome was analysed in the intention-to-treat population and compared mental health care outcomes (psychiatric admissions and bed days, outpatient contacts, self-harm, coercion, and death by any cause) for patients under the care of CMHTs or ACT teams that were reconfigured to FACT teams (CMHT-FACT or ACT-FACT) with patients who remained under the care of CMHTs and ACT teams. Patients who received FACT were matched using propensity scores with control patients from CMHTs and ACT teams to balance differences in baseline characteristics. FINDINGS On May 1, 2016, 2034 individuals (887 in the CMHT-FACT group, 887 in the matched CMHT group, 130 in the ACT-FACT group, 130 in the matched ACT group) were enrolled and were followed up from Nov 1, 2016, to Nov 1, 2018. The number of outpatient contacts was higher for patients receiving FACT than for those in the control groups (CMHT-FACT vs CMHT: incidence rate ratio 1·15; 95 % CI 1·10-1·20; ACT-FACT vs ACT: 1·15; 1·03-1·29). Patients receiving FACT had fewer admissions than those in the control groups (CMHT-FACT vs CMHT: 0·84; 0·76-0·92; ACT-FACT vs ACT: 0·71; 0·59-0·85). However, there were no significant differences in total inpatient days, use of coercion, episodes of self-harm, or deaths. INTERPRETATION To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the effect of FACT compared with treatment from a CMHT or ACT team. Our results suggest that FACT can provide a more intensive approach in terms of increased outpatient contacts than CMHT care or ACT. FACT requires further evaluation through randomised controlled trials that include a cost-effectiveness component before wider implementation. FUNDING Mental Health Services in the Capital Region of Denmark.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Assertive Community Treatment is an established evidenced based practice that provides intensive community treatment for individuals with severe mental illness with recurrent hospitalizations and/or homelessness. Emerging evidence indicates limitations in its implementation in terms of to the original ACT model and its current relevance. RECENT FINDINGS Findings from recent studies (2018-2020) reveals challenges with implementation centered around basic implementation activities, such as changes in the psychosocial context of individuals with SMI, clinicians' abilities to demonstrate competencies with new practices, and ongoing evolution of mental health systems of care worldwide. Intermediary and purveyor organizations (IPO) can provide the infrastructure to support the spread of EBPs while addressing challenges and opportunities. Thus, implementation of ACT can be accomplished when employing a rigorous framework and infrastructure that can synthesize and translate science relevant for practice. SUMMARY The relevance of ACT depends on its implementation that is responsive to change. An implementation science-informed approach is key to providing ACT to individuals in the critical space between the hospital and community. With this approach, we can optimize ACT as a service delivery vehicle by careful analysis of how best to furnish and evaluate the latest, most effective and efficient treatments, rehabilitation and support services.
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