The configuration of mental health services to facilitate care for people with schizophrenia.
In Australia, the configuration of public mental health services varies between States and Territories, but, overall, community-based services are increasingly integrated and responsive to people with schizophrenia. Community-based services include mobile crisis teams, providing home-based acute treatment, and case-management services for ongoing treatment. Service improvements have been uneven across Australia. Some people with schizophrenia in psychiatric crisis have had difficulty accessing either home-based acute psychiatric treatment or acute psychiatric beds. Social isolation and lack of meaningful occupation continue to be a problem for people with schizophrenia. Psychosocial interventions can enhance reintegration into the community. However, the number of community-based psychosocial rehabilitation programs is still inadequate.
Harvey
Carol A
CA
Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC. c.harvey@unimelb.edu.au
Fielding
John M
JM
D001315:Australia; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003419:Crisis Intervention; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000628:therapy*; D012934:Social Isolation