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Community Psychiatric Nurse Teams: Intensive Support Versus Generic Care

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Matt Muijen*
Affiliation:
Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, London
Margaret Cooney
Affiliation:
Maudsley Hospital, London
Geraldine Strathdee
Affiliation:
Maudsley Hospital, London
Ray Bell
Affiliation:
Community Mental Health, Greenwich Health Authority, London
Annette Hudson
Affiliation:
Community Mental Health, Greenwich Health Authority, London
*
Dr M. Muijen, Director, Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, 134/138 Borough High Street, London SE1 1LB

Abstract

Background.

This study evaluated whether a community psychiatric nurse (CPN) team providing a comprehensive aftercare service, using a case management approach, improves psychopathology and social functioning of the long-term mentally ill, and reduces hospital use compared with a generic CPN team.

Method.

Patients suffering from severe and persistent mental health problems were randomised to intensive aftercare or generic care after referral to the CPN manager. Each group contained 41 patients who were assessed at baseline and at 6, 12 and 18 months by an independent research psychologist. Outcome measures included the GAS, PSE, SAS, patient and relatives' satisfaction, number of admissions, and length of stay.

Results.

No difference between the groups was found on any of the outcome measures, despite the much higher number of contacts of the intensive (n = 52) versus generic CPNs (n = 13) and the much greater range of interventions.

Conclusions.

Intensive aftercare for people with persistent mental health problems was not found to be of greater benefit than generic CPN care. Many factors need to be considered for aftercare to be effective, including community resources, process of care, and staff training.

Type
Papers
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1994 

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