Mental health teams
Friday, 07 Dec 2007 10:46
Crisis resolution home treatment teams provide intensive mental healthcare
More resources are necessary if teams providing intensive mental healthcare are to reach their potential, a report has concluded.
Crisis resolution home treatment (CRHT) teams provide treatment and support for people with short-term mental health crises outside of hospital, ideally in their own homes.
A report into their effectiveness published by the National Audit Office (NAO) concluded that they are having a positive impact on local acute mental health services.
If used appropriately and safely, CRHT teams bring clinical benefits and increased patient satisfaction, the NAO said.
The teams have reduced pressure on beds and have been successful in reaching many service users who would otherwise have been admitted to hospital.
They also support people in early discharge from hospital.
But the NAO also found that services are being limited by a lack of input from specialist health and social care professionals, variations in staffing levels across the country and too few hospital admissions being assessed by CRHT teams.
It also identified wide variations between areas in the extent to which teams are staffed and resourced.
Mental illness costs the economy £47 billion per year, including over £15 billion in lost employment and £10 billion in benefits payments.
The NAO estimates that about £12 million a year could be saved through greater use of CRHT services in appropriate cases.
NAO head Sir John Bourn commented: "CRHT teams are really beginning to prove their worth in the NHS.
"However, a lack of resources and a lack of multi-disciplinary support are limiting what these teams can do. And not all of those who would benefit from this service are being considered for it. These issues need to be addressed if the service is to improve."
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