Related Experiment Videos
Use of a consumer-led intervention to improve provider competencies
Alexander S Young1, Matthew Chinman, Sandra L Forquer
1Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Desert Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, 11301 Wilshire Boulevard, 210A, Los Angeles, California 90073, USA. ayoung@ucla.edu
Psychiatric Services (Washington, D.C.)
|August 10, 2005
Summary
A consumer-led intervention significantly improved mental health clinicians' competencies in client-centered care, recovery, and rehabilitation. This approach enhances provider skills, empowering individuals with severe mental illness.
Area of Science:
- Mental Health Services Research
- Healthcare Quality Improvement
- Consumer-Directed Care
Background:
- Client-centered care is crucial in healthcare, particularly for severe mental illness.
- Recovery, rehabilitation, and empowerment models can improve outcomes but are underutilized.
- Clinician competency gaps hinder the adoption of these client-centered approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the Staff Supporting Skills for Self-Help intervention.
- To improve provider quality and empower mental health consumers.
- To assess the promotion of mutual support through a consumer-led program.
Main Methods:
- A one-year controlled trial at five community mental health organizations.
- Intervention included education, clinician-client dialogues, technical assistance, and self-help support.
- Outcomes measured via competency surveys and interviews with clinicians and managers.
Main Results:
- Clinicians in intervention organizations showed significant improvements compared to controls.
- Key improvements included education on care, rehabilitation, natural supports, holistic approaches, teamwork, overall competency, and recovery orientation.
- 269 clinicians participated (151 intervention, 118 control).
Conclusions:
- The consumer-led intervention is feasible and effective.
- It significantly enhances provider competencies essential for high-quality mental health care.
- This approach supports recovery, rehabilitation, and empowerment for individuals with severe mental illness.