A Case Study Using a Behavioural Contract in Alcohol Dependence within a Crisis Home Treatment Team

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Social Work

Background:

• Behavioural contracts are typically used in therapeutic communities, not acute or crisis psychiatric services.
• Social learning theory underpins behavioural contracts, emphasizing social interaction and relationships.

Observation:

• A Home Treatment Team utilized a behavioural contract with a patient experiencing alcohol dependence.
• The contract aimed to modify behaviours impacting the patient's daily living activities.

Findings:

• The behavioural contract served as an effective alternative method for managing a psychiatric crisis episode.
• This approach facilitated targeted behaviour change in a community-based mental health setting.

Implications:

• The study suggests behavioural contracts can be a valuable tool for crisis intervention in psychiatric services.
• Other crisis service staff may adapt this novel approach to improve patient outcomes and manage complex cases.