Models of Care: Editorial

Abstract

THE ARTICLE FEATURED in the Models of Care section is ?Care management for older people with mental health problems: from evidence to practice? written by Sue Tucker, Jane Hughes, Caroline Sutcliffe and David Challis (page 210). The article presents findings from a UK-based study that reviewed the types of work activity for nursing and social work practitioners caring for older people with mental health problems. The study found that the focus of the work activity varied among the professional groups even though their role was meant to be the same. The data were then reviewed to determine the extent to which the work patterns met eight standards of good practice in intensive care management for older people with mental health problems. It was evident that more emphasis needed to be placed on the management of the staff in the coordinating and provision roles with better alignment of the role with the intended standards of practice. The findings advocate for changes in the role, caseloads, location and management of staff, and in their assessment, care-planning and review processes.