Abstract
The impact of variable implementation of the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) model on patient outcomes is increasingly
recognised. We conducted the first study of four established Australian ACT teams, examining team composition, processes and
model fidelity, using previously validated questionnaires. Demographic and clinical details of patients and their own experiences
of ACT were gathered from staff. Associations between burnout and work experiences were examined. All teams were ACT-like
(mean DACTS score = 3.7, SD = 0.3) with few significant patient differences between teams, except diagnosis (schizophrenia
61–93%, co-morbid substance abuse 16–33%) and proportion living alone (23–72%). Clinicians were fairly satisfied, but inter-team
differences in staffing profile and experience emerged and one team scored highly on emotional exhaustion. Increased burnout
was associated with greater stress due to taking a team approach. Inter-team differences suggested that attention to effective
team working and leadership, as well as model fidelity, may be warranted.
recognised. We conducted the first study of four established Australian ACT teams, examining team composition, processes and
model fidelity, using previously validated questionnaires. Demographic and clinical details of patients and their own experiences
of ACT were gathered from staff. Associations between burnout and work experiences were examined. All teams were ACT-like
(mean DACTS score = 3.7, SD = 0.3) with few significant patient differences between teams, except diagnosis (schizophrenia
61–93%, co-morbid substance abuse 16–33%) and proportion living alone (23–72%). Clinicians were fairly satisfied, but inter-team
differences in staffing profile and experience emerged and one team scored highly on emotional exhaustion. Increased burnout
was associated with greater stress due to taking a team approach. Inter-team differences suggested that attention to effective
team working and leadership, as well as model fidelity, may be warranted.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10597-011-9466-x
- Authors
- Carol Harvey, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne & North Western Mental Health, Psychosocial Research Centre, 130 Bell Street, Coburg, VIC 3058, Australia
- Helen Killaspy, Department of Mental Health Sciences, University College London and Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Free Hospital, London, NW3 2PF UK
- Salvatore Martino, South West Area Mental Health Service, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sonia Johnson, Research Department of Mental Health Sciences, University College London and Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, Charles Bell House, 67–73 Riding House Street, London, W1W 7EY UK
- Journal Community Mental Health Journal
- Online ISSN 1573-2789
- Print ISSN 0010-3853