About FACE: the applications of a structured approach to mental health information

This article describes the Functional Analysis of Care Environments (FACE), and demonstrates some of its' applications in mental health services. FACE is a recording and measurement technology designed to integrate clinical and management information. Its major features are a multi-axial framework and measurement tools for assessment and outcome recording. Structured information about mental and physical well being, social circumstances and environmental functioning was recorded for 520 clients receiving either 'assertive' or 'community' forms of mental health care. The information generated formed the basis for comparison between clients, identified significant differences between the two client groups, and highlighted treatment effectiveness.