A pilot study of the utilisation and outcome of community orders: Client, case manager and Mental Health Review Tribunal

Abstract

Mental health problems are a major public health concern due to their prevalenceand impact at a personal, family, social and economic level. Compulsory communitytreatment is being utilised as a health care approach, despite much disagreement andlack of Australian research demonstrating its effectiveness. This pilot study investigatedthe utilisation and outcomes of community orders from the perspective of a client,carer, case manager and Mental Health Review Tribunal member. The findingsindicate that compulsory community treatment had a positive impact upon hospitalreadmission rates and medication usage. All groups of respondents rated communityorders as being of benefit in a number of areas. Further controlled studies are required.