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Changing staffing patterns in community mental health centers
Hospital & Community Psychiatry
|November 1, 1984
Summary
Staffing patterns in community mental health centers (CMHCs) vary significantly by organizational type and program entry time. This heterogeneity helps explain contradictory criticisms regarding CMHC care quality.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Mental Health Policy
- Organizational Studies
Background:
- Community mental health centers (CMHCs) have faced varied and conflicting criticisms regarding their staffing and patient care.
- Previous assessments of CMHCs have not adequately accounted for potential differences between centers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether heterogeneity among CMHCs explains the diverse criticisms.
- To examine staffing patterns across different types of CMHCs and over time.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of CMHC staffing patterns from 1973 to 1981.
- Categorization of CMHCs by organizational type.
- Comparison of staffing across different center types and program entry cohorts.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in staffing were identified between various CMHC organizational types.
- Staffing patterns also differed between CMHCs established during distinct periods within the study timeframe.
- These findings indicate substantial heterogeneity within the CMHC landscape.
Conclusions:
- The observed heterogeneity in CMHC staffing likely contributes to the contradictory criticisms leveled against these centers.
- Further research is needed to fully understand and address the variations between different types of CMHCs.
- Recommendations for future research are provided to clarify inter-center differences.