[Case management for moderate-need patients and recovery: what can we learn from experimental and quasi-experimental studies?]

Implementation of a strengths-based approach in a traumatic brain injury community service; perspectives of community workers

Background The strengths-based approach (SBA) was initially developed for people living with mental health issues but may represent a promising support option for community participation of people living with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A community-based organisation working with people living with TBI is in the process of adapting this approach to implement it in their organisation. No studies explored an SBA implementation with this population. This study explores the implementation of key components of the SBA in a community-based organisation dedicated to people living with TBI. Methods A qualitative descriptive design using semi-structured interviews (n  = 10) with community workers, before and during implementation, was used. Transcripts were analysed inductively and deductively. Deductive coding was informed by the SBA fidelity scale. Results Group supervision and mobilisation of personal strengths are key SBA components that were reported as being integrated within practice. These changes led to improved team communication and cohesiveness in and across services, more structured interventions, and greater engagement of clients. No changes were reported regarding the mobilisation of environmental strengths and the provision of individual supervision. Conclusion The implementation of the SBA had positive impacts on the community-based organisation. This suggests that it is valuable to implement an adaptation of the SBA for people living with TBI.

Implementing the Strengths Model of Case Management: Assessing Practice Three Years After Initial Implementation

While strengths approaches are important to recovery-oriented practice, implementation can be challenging. This study implemented the strengths model of case management (SMCM) in 11 CM teams and assessed the fidelity of delivery and staff perceptions of the model after 36 months using the SMCM fidelity scale and the Readiness Monitoring Tool. Paired sample t-tests assessed change in fidelity from baseline to 36 months. Adjusted regression analyses compared survey responses of direct and management staff. While fidelity ratings significantly improved across all domains, at 36 months they remained suboptimal in supervision practices and use of model tools. Staff perceptions were generally positive but consistently lower for front-line than management staff. Implementing SMCM into existing case management practice with good fidelity is feasible. However, clear support from management may strengthen staff motivation and delivery. A review of practice later in implementation can flag challenges for sustainability and guide implementation support.

A Qualitative Study of the Working Alliance in the Strengths Model of Case Management with People with Severe Mental Illness

The purpose of this study was to examine clients' perceptions of the client-case manager working alliance in the context of receiving the Strengths Model of Case Management. Twenty people with severe mental illness, with a SMCM case manager, participated in semi-structured, qualitative interviews. Using first and second cycle coding, data were analyzed thematically. People in the study attributed personal life changes to their relationship with their case manager. They valued their case managers' flexibility and highlighted their work on a wide range of goals of their choosing. Case managers approached the SMCM intervention responsive to their clients' preferences and choices. The working alliance serves as a key element of the SMCM intervention. Clients describe the working alliance as helping to improve their lives. This study supports the implementation of SMCM with people with severe mental illness due to its focus on fostering a strong working alliance.

Integrating Evidence-Based Community-Care Services to Improve Schizophrenia Outcomes: A Preliminary Trial

This aim of this preliminary experimental study was to integrate effective evidence-based community-care services that are subjected to heavy caseloads, and to then examine the effects on individuals with schizophrenia. Using a cluster sampling method, four homecare nurses were randomly assigned to either the experimental group or the comparison group. The nurses in the experimental group applied the following six identified effective elements: (1) established an alliance with their patients; (2) assessed patient-care needs; (3) considered both medical and social-care practices; (4) addressed patients' self-management of medication and their daily tasks; (5) provided crisis intervention; and (6) coordinated resources. The patients comprised 85 individuals with schizophrenia. In the experimental group, psychiatric homecare nurses were randomly assigned to implement integrated, evidence-based community-care services during a six-month follow-up period. Patients in the comparison group continued to receive their customary community care. In the experimental group, patient satisfaction scores, medication attitudes, and general functioning levels were significantly higher than in the comparison group. These preliminary findings indicate a potentially effective model for community care in areas where intensive case management cannot be provided.

Contribution des hôpitaux de jour en psychiatrie dans le champ contemporain de la santé mentale au Québec

Actuellement au Québec, les hôpitaux de jour en psychiatrie sont des milieux de jour offrant un programme thérapeutique intensif de courte durée, principalement dans un contexte d'activités de groupe. Alors que les hôpitaux de jour sont des acteurs qui font partie intégrante du système de soins en santé mentale depuis plusieurs décennies, la question de leur rôle et de leur contribution spécifique dans le champ des approches et des pratiques de traitement et pour les personnes qu'ils rejoignent est rarement posée. Cet article s'articule autour de l'hypothèse selon laquelle les repères et les cadres actuellement dominants dans le champ de la psychiatrie et de la santé mentale permettent mal de dégager et de prendre en compte certains des paramètres dont il faut tenir compte pour parvenir à préciser et à situer le rôle et la contribution des hôpitaux de jour, dans le système de soin comme pour les personnes auxquelles ces milieux de pratique s'adressent. À partir des résultats préliminaires d'une étude exploratoire poursuivie dans quatre hôpitaux de jour où différents acteurs ont été rencontrés lors d'entrevues (personnes utilisatrices, intervenants, gestionnaires), cet article propose de dégager quelques pistes d'analyse et de réflexion.