Patients with psychotic or bipolar disorders often relapse and are often admitted for in-patient care.

Patient empowerment and a better collaboration with caregivers could allow for a early detection of crises, a better treatment of relapses and may avoid hospital admission.

Joint crisis plans (JCP) are prepared in a collaboration between patients, caregivers and mediators (a third party chosen by the patient), at a time when the patient is stable.

JCPs indicate in advance the patient's preferences for healthcare, in pevision of times when the patient may be to ill to express them

What is not known is whether JCPs can produce similar effects in the Swiss healthcare system.

The aims of this pilot study is to assess the acceptability of JCPs and the satisfaction of patients and caregivers, and to describe how JCPs can be integrated in the healthcare system in Geneva.

If results are positive, a futher study could assess the impact of JCPs on relapse, hospital admissions and costs.

This innovative project could lead to substantial changes in the organization of healthcare, and has important policy implications.