Related resources
Search for item elsewhere
University researcher(s)
Managing crisis: the role of primary care for people with serious mental illness.
Lester HE, Tritter J, Sorohan H
Fam Med. 2004;36( 1):28-34.
Access to files
Full-text and supplementary files are not available from Manchester eScholar. Use our list of Related resources to find this item elsewhere. Alternatively, request a copy from the Library's Document supply service.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: More than 30% of patients with serious mental illness in the United Kingdom now receive all their health care solely from primary care. This study explored the process of managing acute mental health crises from the dual perspective of patients and primary care health professionals. METHODS: Eighteen focus groups involving 45 patients, 39 general practitioners, and eight practice nurses were held between May and November 2002 in six Primary Care Trusts across the British West Midlands. The topic guide explored perceptions of gold standard care, current issues and critical incidents in receiving/providing care, and ideas on improving services. RESULTS: Themes relevant to the management of acute crisis included issues of process, such as access, advocacy, communication, continuity, and coordination of care; the development of more structured care that might reduce the need for crisis responses; and issues raised by the development of a more structured approach to care. CONCLUSIONS: Access to services is a complicated yet crucial feature of managing care in a crisis, with patients identifying barriers at the level of primary care and health professionals at the interface with secondary care. The development of more structured systems as a solution may generate its own ethical and pragmatic challenges.
Keyword(s)
Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Crisis Intervention; Female; Focus Groups; Great Britain; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Needs Assessment; Patient Care Team; Referral and Consultation; standards: Clinical Competence; standards: Mental Health Services; standards: Primary Health Care; therapy: Mental Disorders