Does systems integration affect continuity of mental health care?
Continuity of care is a concern for mental health clients in the post deinstitutionalization era of community care. A proposed solution is systems integration. This paper reviewed research on systems integration, focusing on continuity of care outcomes. A positive association between systems integration and client continuity of care was consistently demonstrated. Better results were obtained in systems characterized by stronger management arrangements, fewer service sectors, and system wide implementation of intensive case management and centralized access to services. Future research should evaluate a wider range of systems integrating mechanisms, using client-based measures that more directly represent continuity of care experiences.
Durbin
Janet
J
Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. janet_durbin@camh.net
Goering
Paula
P
Streiner
David L
DL
Pink
George
G
D019090:Case Management; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003688:Deinstitutionalization; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D017146:Models, Organizational; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D015397:Program Evaluation; D014481:United States