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Improvement in Mental Health Outcomes and Caregiver Service Experiences Associated With the START Program
Luther G Kalb1, Joan Beasley1, Andrea Caoili1
1Luther G. Kalb, Assistant Professor, Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Department of Neuropsychology, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD; Joan Beasley, Director of the Center for START Services, Institute on Disability and National Center for START Services, University of New Hampshire; Andrea Caoilli, Director of Quality Assurance, Institute on Disability and National Center for START Services, University of New Hampshire; and Ann Klein, SIRS Database Manager, Institute on Disability and National Center for START Services, University of New Hampshire.
The Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment (START) program improved caregiver experiences and service user mental health. This community-based model reduced hospitalizations for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities and mental health needs.
Area of Science:
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Mental Health Services
- Community-Based Care
Background:
- Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) often have co-occurring mental health needs.
- Access to appropriate tertiary care for this population can be challenging.
- Community-based models are being explored to improve care delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of the Systemic, Therapeutic, Assessment, Resources, and Treatment (START) program.
- To assess the program's impact on service users with IDD and mental health needs and their family caregivers.
- To determine the program's effectiveness in reducing reliance on hospital-based services.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 111 service users and their family caregivers participated.
- The study examined 1-year pre-post outcomes.
- Data were collected from individuals receiving START Clinical Team services in the US.
Main Results:
- Significant 1-year improvements were observed in caregiver service experiences.
- Service users showed significant improvements in mental health symptoms.
- A significant reduction in psychiatric hospitalizations and emergency department visits was noted (p < .01).
Conclusions:
- The START program demonstrates promise as an effective community-based tertiary care model.
- The program positively impacts both service users and their family caregivers.
- START may reduce dependence on costly and restrictive hospital-based services for individuals with IDD and mental health needs.
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