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Relevant training for case managers in severe mental illness

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

F. M. Martin*
Affiliation:
School of Nursing and Midwifery, The Queen's University of Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL
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Abstract

Type
Columns
Copyright
Copyright © 2000 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

The UK700 Group (2000) case management trial demonstrated that there were “no clear beneficial effects on costs, clinical outcome or cost effectiveness” by reducing the case-loads of case managers working with patients with psychotic disorders. However, they went on to advise that the policy of intensive case management for patients with severe psychosis is not justified. The findings of this study do not support such a conclusion. The key issue studied (i.e. intensive case management) was determined purely by numbers of patients on the manager's case-load. No attempt is made to describe the level of training of the case managers in techniques and skills needed for effective working with patients who have a severe mental illness. The need for relevant training for case managers in severe mental illness has been addressed in the Clinical Standards Advisory Group report on schizophrenia (Reference Gournay and BeadsmoreGournay & Beadsmore, 1995). An alternative explanation for the findings of this study may be that without specific training in severe mental illness, purely reducing case manager's case-loads is not effective. It is most disappointing and surprising that this issue has neither been addressed in a study of this magnitude nor referred to in the discussion.

References

Gournay, K. & Beadsmore, A. (1995) The report of the Clinical Standards Advisory Group: standards of care for people with schizophrenia in the UK and implications for mental health nursing. Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, 2, 359364.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
UK700 Group (2000) Cost-effectiveness of intensive v. standard case management for severe psychotic illness. UK700 case management trial. British Journal of Psychiatry, 176, 537543.Google Scholar
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