Autonomy versus coercion: reconciling competing perspectives in community mental health.
Clinicians working in community mental health must currently attempt to reconcile competing practice perspectives: on the one hand consumer-driven approaches, and on the other hand a move to more paternalistic practices, advocated by family support groups, and reflected in assertive treatment programs and legislative initiatives such as community treatment orders. This article reviews these different perspectives, and offers some comments on practice guidelines for those working in this clinically and politically complex environment.
Davis
Simon
S
InterMinisterial Program, Vancouver Community Mental Health Services. simonpd@hotmail.com
D002961:Civil Rights / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003068:Coercion; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000592:standards*; D004995:Ethics, Professional; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D009656:North America; D026706:Paternalism; D010344:Patient Advocacy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D026684:Personal Autonomy; D011209:Power, Psychological; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012944:Social Support