title: Effect of strengths model versus assertive community treatment model on participant outcomes and utilization: two-year follow-up.
abstract: Community-based treatments for persons with serious mental illnesses have consistently proven to be effective. While most studies evaluate assertive community treatment (ACT) programs collectively, distinct models offer different approaches to improving participant outcomes. This study specifically examined the Strengths model versus more traditional ACT programs. Multivariate analyses tested changes in utilization, symptomatology, and clinical outcomes. Both ACT and Strengths reduced inpatient days while increasing outpatient care. Though all patients improved clinically, Strengths demonstrated a significantly greater advantage with symptomatology reduced by half. Findings support both treatment models, but additional clinical gains may be obtained from the Strengths approach.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs, Serious Mental Illness Treatment, Evaluation, and Research Center, Health Services Research and Development Field Office, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48113-0170, USA. barry@umich.edu
authors.forename: Kristen Lawton
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Barry
authors.forename: John E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Zeber
authors.forename: Frederic C
authors.initials: FC
authors.lastname: Blow
authors.forename: Marcia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Valenstein
mesh_terms: D003151:Community Health Centers / Q000458:organization & administration; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D008824:Michigan; D017146:Models, Organizational; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013808:Therapeutic Community; D016896:Treatment Outcome