Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Young, A. S. Articles by Mintz, J. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Young, A. S. Articles by Mintz, J. Patient and Family Organizations Other Health Services Issues Education, Patient and Family Related Article

Use of a Consumer-Led Intervention to Improve Provider Competencies

OBJECTIVE: Client-centered care is a major aim of health care. In mental health, new client-centered treatment approaches that emphasize recovery, rehabilitation, and empowerment can improve outcomes for people with severe and persistent mental illness. However, these approaches are not widely used, in part because many clinicians lack the necessary competencies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an innovative, consumer-led intervention, Staff Supporting Skills for Self-Help, which was designed to improve provider quality, empower mental health consumers, and promote mutual support. METHODS: The study was conducted at five large community mental health provider organizations in two western states. One organization in each state received the intervention. The intervention included education, clinician-client dialogues, ongoing technical assistance, and support of self-help. It focused on client-centered care, rehabilitation, and recovery. A one-year controlled trial evaluated the effect of the intervention on clinicians' competencies, care processes, and the formation of mutual support groups. Outcomes were assessed by using competency assessment survey instruments and semistructured interviews with clinicians and managers. RESULTS: A total of 269 clinicians participated in the study: 151 in the intervention group and 118 in the control group. Compared with clinicians at the control organizations, clinicians at intervention organizations showed significantly greater improvement in education about care, rehabilitation methods, natural supports, holistic approaches, teamwork, overall competency, and recovery orientation. CONCLUSIONS: A feasible, consumer-led intervention improves provider competencies in domains that are necessary for the provision of high-quality care.

Related Article:

August 2005: This Month's Highlights
Psychiatr Serv 2005 56: 903. [Full Text] [PDF]

This article has been cited by other articles:

				M. Hillbrand and J. L. Young Instilling Hope Into Forensic Treatment: The Antidote to Despair and Desperation J Am Acad Psychiatry Law, March 1, 2008; 36(1): 90 - 94. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				K. K. Patel, B. Butler, and K. B. Wells What is necessary to transform the quality of mental health care. Health Aff., May 1, 2006; 25(3): 681 - 693. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				N. Tomes The patient as a policy factor: a historical case study of the consumer/survivor movement in mental health. Health Aff., May 1, 2006; 25(3): 720 - 729. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2005 American Psychiatric Association. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us