[Experiences in community social psychiatric ambulatory care]

In the first part of the article, the most important principles of action are described that determined the work done so far in the outpatient department of the Sociopsychiatric Clinic Berne. From this work the idea developed that psychiatric long-term patients would best be cared for by a care system divided into sectors and linked first of all to a community mental health centre. First experiences collected in a community health centre project in Berne are described. Details are given in respect of the location and arrangement of the available rooms and space. The central importance of the round table for the work of the medical and nursing staff with the patients, their families and the entire social environment is stressed. The authors try to explain their mode of working and their attitude on the examples of first contact with the patients and the handling of a crisis situation. It is the aim of this sociopsychiatric work to ensure maximum possible autonomy and self-responsibility of the patients.