title: First adaptation of a family-based ACT model in mainland China: a pilot project.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study reports findings from a preliminary evaluation of the first implementation of the assertive community treatment (ACT) model in mainland China.
  
  
  METHODS
  Over six months, the pilot study compared a group of patients (N=15) and family caregivers who received ACT services with a control group (N=16) who received standard community services. Data on hospitalization days, relapse frequency, psychiatric symptoms, social and vocational functioning, general mental health status, family burden, and level of social support for family caregivers were examined.
  
  
  RESULTS
  ACT patients had no admissions, compared with two in the control group; they also had significantly lower psychopathology and higher social functioning scores. No significant differences in outcome measures for family caregivers were found.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study found preliminary support for implementing ACT in mainland China. Implementation could contribute to reducing admission and psychopathology and improving social functioning. Further research on ways to enhance family caregivers' experience is warranted.
authors.affiliation: Mr. Zhao, Dr. Luo, Mr. Zhang, Ms. Zhu, Ms. Liu, Ms. Ma, Dr. Wang, and Dr. Yao are with the Medical Psychological Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. Dr. Law and Ms. Chow are with the Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Send correspondence to Dr. Wang (e-mail: wang0916xia@gmail.com ). Mr. Zhao and Dr. Law contributed equally to this work. The findings were presented at the "Integrating ACTT in 2012" conference, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, October 24-26, 2012.
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Law
authors.forename: Xingwei
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Luo
authors.forename: Wendy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Chow
authors.forename: Jinqiang
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Ye
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.forename: Shiyan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Xiaoqian
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: Shuqiao
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yao
authors.forename: Xiang
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D002681:China; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000379:methods*; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012008:Recurrence; D012944:Social Support