Practice Based Evidence | A Mental Health Blog

The following lists outline the areas in which 'practice development' initiatives have had a positive impact on team working. Whilst these initiatives and protocols have been largely developed within CMHT's and Assertive Outreach services so far, they have also been adapted to other parts of the system. Practice Based Evidence as a practice development initiative could offer consultancy work around these areas with teams in statutory and voluntary sector agencies across the spectrum of mental health services.

CMHT's

Team Management & Clinical Leadership
Team Management Structures
Restructuring the Team Meeting
Developing 'morning' handover meetings
Team Training Plan Template
Defining the Client Group
Assessment - process & structure
Team Protocol for Discharge/Case Closure
CPA & Transfer of care
MDT Peer Supervision Groups
Intake & Duty systems
'Administration & Reception' reviews

Assertive Outreach Teams

'Practical' operational policy
Developing sub-team models to enable a 'whole team approach'
Daily handover & monthly reflection meeting protocols
Service user evaluations (with an Independent service user)
Tools for 'team evaluation' of essential elements of 'strengths-based' assertive outreach practice
Developing a 'Strengths Approach' in practice
Service user strengths assessment
Staff strengths assessments
Referral and assessment processes
Protocols for gradual disengagement
Reflecting the impact of substance misuse issues on practice
Links between assertive outreach & CMHT's
Links between assertive outreach & crisis teams

Crisis Resolution & Home Treatment Teams

Defining psychiatric crisis & emergency
Crisis Team & CMHT's: Developing Team Relationships & Pathways of care (including 'link-working')
Models of team-working
Pathways into services

Team & Organisation

Protocols for 'Working with Risk'
Organisational Risk Policy statement
Implementing a Strengths Approach into practice, with supporting policy and protocols