1.4.1 Assessment of Community Services
The Assessment of the Need for Psychiatric Services within a Community
Assessing the need for psychiatric services within a community is essential to identify the mental health needs of individuals and provide timely and appropriate care. The UK has a range of psychiatric services, including community mental health teams (CMHTs), crisis resolution teams (CRTs), and inpatient care.
To assess the need for psychiatric services within a community, various methods can be employed, including population-based studies, surveys, and needs assessment frameworks. For instance, the Mental Health Needs Assessment Toolkit (MH-NAT) is a useful tool that provides a framework for assessing the mental health needs of a population and developing a plan for service provision (1).
The importance of research studies in understanding the need for psychiatric services within a community:
The ESEMeD survey, AESOP study, PRiSM psychosis study, UK household survey, and UK 700 study are all important research studies that have contributed to our understanding of mental health and the need for psychiatric services within the community. In this context, the studies provide valuable insights into the prevalence of mental health disorders, the factors that contribute to their development, and the barriers to accessing appropriate care.
Here is a table summarizing the key findings of each study:
| Study | Objective | Sample | Key Findings |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESEMeD survey | To estimate the prevalence of mental disorders in Europe | Over 21,000 adults from six European countries | 38.2% of respondents had experienced at least one mental disorder in their lifetime, with anxiety and mood disorders being the most common |
| AESOP study | To investigate the incidence and risk factors for psychosis in the UK | 557 people aged 16-64 in two UK regions | The incidence of psychosis was higher in urban areas and among ethnic minority groups, suggesting that social and environmental factors play a role in the development of the disorder |
| PRiSM psychosis study | To evaluate the effectiveness of early intervention for people experiencing a first episode of psychosis | 547 people with first-episode psychosis in the UK | The early intervention led to better outcomes in terms of symptom reduction and social functioning compared to standard care |
| UK household survey | To estimate the prevalence of mental health problems and the use of mental health services in the UK | Over 5,000 households in England | 1 in 4 adults had experienced a mental health problem in the previous year, but only about one-third had sought help from a professional |
| UK 700 study | To assess the need for psychiatric services in a UK urban community | 700 people aged 16-64 in one UK city | Many respondents had unmet needs for mental health services, with younger people and those from ethnic minority backgrounds being more likely to report barriers to access care |
Overall, these studies highlight the high prevalence of mental health disorders and the need for accessible and effective psychiatric services within the community. They also underscore the importance of considering social and environmental factors in the development and treatment of mental health problems. The findings of these studies can inform policies and interventions aimed at improving mental health outcomes and reducing the burden of mental illness.
How to Set Up and Administer Such Services, including some idea of the Costs of Major Elements of such Service Provision
Setting up and administering psychiatric services require a multidisciplinary approach involving psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and social workers. CMHTs are the primary providers of psychiatric services in the community and are responsible for providing assessment, treatment, and support for individuals with severe and enduring mental health problems. CRTs, on the other hand, provide rapid assessment and treatment for people experiencing a mental health crisis. Inpatient care is required for individuals with severe mental illness who require intensive care and treatment.
The costs of major elements of psychiatric service provision vary depending on the type of service and the location. According to a report by the Centre for Mental Health, the estimated cost of a CMHT is around £1.3 million per year, while a CRT costs around £1.5 million per year (2). Inpatient care is more expensive, with the cost of a psychiatric hospital bed ranging from £300 to £1,500 per day (3).
In conclusion, assessing the need for psychiatric services within a community and setting up and administering such services require a comprehensive approach. The costs of major elements of psychiatric service provision vary depending on the type of service and the location. The provision of high-quality psychiatric services is essential to improve the mental health and well-being of individuals in the community.
References:
- National Institute for Mental Health in England. (2003). Mental Health Needs Assessment Toolkit. Retrieved from https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/mhna.pdf
- Centre for Mental Health. (2018). The cost of mental health care in England to 2026. Retrieved from https://www.centreformentalhealth.org.uk/sites/default/files/2018-09/Costing%20the%20care%20we%20need%20-%20Main%20report_0.pdf
- NHS Benchmarking Network. (2017). Mental Health Inpatient Services Benchmarking Report. Retrieved from https://www.nhsbenchmarking.nhs.uk/news/2017/mental-health-inpatient-services-benchmarking-report-published/