title: A pilot study of the utilisation and outcome of community orders: client, carer, case manager and Mental Health Review Tribunal perspective.
abstract: Mental health problems are a major public health concern due to their prevalence and impact at a personal, family, social and economic level. Compulsory community treatment is being utilised as a health care approach, despite much disagreement and lack of Australian research demonstrating its effectiveness. This pilot study investigated the utilisation and outcomes of community orders from the perspective of a client, carer, case manager and Mental Health Review Tribunal member. The findings indicate that compulsory community treatment had a positive impact upon hospital readmission rates and medication usage. All groups of respondents rated community orders as being of benefit in a number of areas. Further controlled studies are required.
authors.affiliation: Bankstown Mental Health Service.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ozgul
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Brunero
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019090:Case Management / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003134:Commitment of Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D009517:New South Wales; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome