Paraprofessionals and psychiatric teams: an updated review

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Care
• Psychiatric Services
• Healthcare Delivery Systems

Background:

• Paraprofessionals and psychiatric teams are integral to mental health services.
• Existing literature on their roles is limited and inconsistent.
• Deinstitutionalization has created service delivery gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update the literature on paraprofessionals and psychiatric teams.
• To define key terms and trace their historical evolution.
• To examine new developments and persistent challenges.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis.
• Definition of terms and historical analysis.
• Discussion of recent advancements and criteria for effective teams.

Main Results:

• Paraprofessionals can perform basic treatment tasks within psychiatric teams.
• They are adaptable in addressing service gaps from deinstitutionalization and schizophrenia treatment.
• New criteria for cost- and treatment-effective psychiatric teams have emerged.

Conclusions:

• Paraprofessionals are increasingly vital and capable members of psychiatric teams.
• Advances in training and team structure enhance effectiveness.
• Despite progress, challenges for paraprofessionals and teams remain.