| Synopsis: |
The care programme approach (CPA) for people referred to specialist psychiatric services was implemented in April 1991. The approach requires district health authorities, in collaboration with social services departments, to design and implement systematic arrangements for deciding whether a patient can be treated in the community and, if so, ensuring that they receive the necessary health and social care. Two years on, how is it being operated in different authorities and what are the factors contributing to, or inhibiting, its effective implementation? This report presents the findings of a research study. |