When policy fails try something different integrated practice improve outcomes for dual diagnosis co-occurring service users accessing mental health services

When policy fails try something different integrated practice improve outcomes for dual diagnosis co-occurring service users accessing mental health services Lois Dugmore, Saskia Bauweraerts Drugs and Alcohol Today, Vol. 21, No. 2, pp.157-170 This paper aims to discuss an initiative developed between, Leicestershire Partnership National Health Service Trust and Turning Point, which is the locally commissioned drug and alcohol service in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The aim was to improve outcomes for clients with dual diagnosis (co-occurring mental health and substance misuse) issues. The purpose of the change in working practice was to engage with local substance misuse agencies more effectively to improve clinical outcomes within this service user group. This was achieved through four interrelated approaches. This comprising providing an integrated service. It included building relationships with substance misuse services, providing specialist dual diagnosis clinics and the introduction of substance misuse workers onto mental health wards and group work specific to substance misuse. The outcomes included easier access to services for service users and greater uptake of service users who were moving onto substance misuse services. This led to a reduction in risk related to prescribing and fewer incidents related to prescribing changes and greater engagement in services. When service users were moving between services better communication...
Source: Drugs and Alcohol Today - Category: Addiction Authors: Source Type: research