In my context we mandate treatment for people with mental illness so long as a tribunal (independent of the health team) agrees that 4 criteria are met. These mandates are reviewed yearly. It is then expected that the person be case managed by a community doctor plus a mental health nurse or social worker.
In my context we mandate treatment for people with mental illness so long as a tribunal (independent of the health team) agrees that 4 criteria are met. These mandates are reviewed yearly. It is then expected that the person be case managed by a community doctor plus a mental health nurse or social worker.
The 4 criteria are: having a mental illness, needing treatment for the mental illness due to risk to the person or others, lacking the capacity to make a decision about accepting treatment, and the absence of less-restrictive means to ensure ongoing treatment.
This works very well. It optimises dignity in a very difficult situation. Frequently these people can return to stable accommodation and meaningful social functioning, even if they remain without insight as to the need for ongoing medication.
The main complication is ongoing drug use. For example methamphetamines. In many cases this is really challenging even with adequate antipsychotic treatment.
In my context we mandate treatment for people with mental illness so long as a tribunal (independent of the health team) agrees that 4 criteria are met. These mandates are reviewed yearly. It is then expected that the person be case managed by a community doctor plus a mental health nurse or social worker.
The 4 criteria are: having a mental illness, needing treatment for the mental illness due to risk to the person or others, lacking the capacity to make a decision about accepting treatment, and the absence of less-restrictive means to ensure ongoing treatment.
This works very well. It optimises dignity in a very difficult situation. Frequently these people can return to stable accommodation and meaningful social functioning, even if they remain without insight as to the need for ongoing medication.
The main complication is ongoing drug use. For example methamphetamines. In many cases this is really challenging even with adequate antipsychotic treatment.