Emerging indications suggest that treatment for an individual’s emotional and psychological process is not always enough.
- National PD Guidance – has strongly advocated for a whole systems multi-agency approach that supports an individuals social needs and promotes social inclusion.
- CSIP-NIMHE – is working in partnership with a range of local services such as Primary Care Trusts, Specialist Mental Health Trusts and Local Authorities, as well as the voluntary sector to promote a whole systems approach.
This is particularly important when considering:
- Coordinating care – a range of services may be offering support to an individual at the same time.
- Severity of condition – not all individuals with PD will meet the threshold for Specialist Mental Health Services and their needs may be better met in Primary Care Mental Health Services.
- Equalities – there are also a number of identify specific services for individuals’ according to their race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality (often located within the Voluntary Sector)
Choice and self-determination
Clearly the most important objective is to offer individual’s a choice of treatment that promotes their independence and well being. The need for choice is a high priority within all public services with an emphasis on improving access to services. As Laurie Bryant suggests:
Choice listens to me, involves me, responds to me, values me, and supports me on my road to recovery. If we are serious about putting service users at the heart of modern mental health services, providing choice is essential.
Service User Lead, National Service Improvement Team, CSIP
PD Pathways
It is apparent that better pathways for individuals with PD need to be developed, ranging from community based services to Forensic/Secure Services.
Given the high proportion of individuals with PD within the Criminal Justice System improving access to treatment is critical to promoting wellbeing and early intervention. Quite simply, if people can receive treatment sooner, there is a better chance of preventing emotional and psychological distress, as well as social exclusion.
Mainstreaming PD
The NHS has seen significant transitions towards devolution with increased local autonomy in terms of the investment and design of mental health services. There are also a considerable range of professional and service user opinions on how best to design mental health services that meet the needs of individuals with PD. For example:
- Specialist services which may only see people with PD.
- Specialist Community Mental Health and Psychological Services that will see a range of people with severe or enduring mental health difficulties including PD.
- Primary Care Mental Health Services offering treatment for individuals with mild-moderate mental health difficulties including PD.
Clearly all mental health professionals need to be PD capable, having appropriate attitudes and values for offering competent treatment to individuals with PD. Service User consultation and participation within service provision is critical to effective treatment outcomes. It is refreshing to see that individuals with PD are now becoming STR workers within mental health services (Support Time Recovery Workers)