The compatibility of psychosocial interventions (PSI) and assertive outreach: a survey of managers and PSI-trained staff working in UK assertive outreach teams

Authors: GRIFFITHS, R.; HARRIS, N.

Source: Journal of Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing, Volume 15, Number 6, August 2008 , pp. 479-483(5)

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Abstract:

In recent years, there has been an increased emphasis on providing psychosocial interventions (PSI) and assertive outreach (AO) for people with severe and enduring mental illness living in the UK. This paper presents the findings of a telephone survey conducted with managers and PSI-trained staff working for AO teams in the Northwest of England. The aim of the study was to gain an insight into staff attitudes regarding the compatibility of PSI and AO. The survey also gathered more general information about the nature of the AO teams and the number of PSI-trained staff working within them. The results indicate that, although PSI-trained staff believe that PSI and AO are compatible, AO is not immune to the barriers to PSI implementation that exist in other service areas. There also appears to be a question regarding the extent to which teams are maintaining fidelity to the original AO model that was outlined by Stein and Test.

Keywords: assertive outreach; cognitive behaviour therapy; family intervention; psychosocial intervention; schizophrenia

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2850.2008.01254.x

Affiliations: 1: Consultant Nurse, Lecturer, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

Publication date: 2008-08-01