Implementing personalisation for people with mental health problems: A comparative case study of four local authorities in England. (April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Larsen, John; Ainsworth, Emily; Harrop, Clare; Patterson, Sue; Hamilton, Sarah; Szymczynska, Paulina; Tew, Jerry; Manthorpe, Jill; Pinfold, Vanessa
• Is Part Of: Journal of mental health. Volume 22:Number 2(2013:Apr.)
• Page Start: 174
• Page End: 182
• Publication Date: 2013-04
• Subjects: Mental health -- Periodicals; Mental health services -- Periodicals; 362.2
• DOI: 10.3109/09638237.2012.734658
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-8237

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="executive-summary"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title>Background</title> <p>Enhancing choice and control for people using services is a mental health and social-care service priority in England. Personalisation is a new policy and practice for delivery of social-care services where eligible adults are allocated a personal budget to spend to meet their agreed support needs.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Aims</title> <p>To describe approaches to introducing personal budgets to people with severe and enduring mental health needs, and to identify facilitators or barriers encountered.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Method</title> <p>Within four English local authority (LA) areas, purposively selected to provide maximum variation, semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 58 participants from LAs, NHS trusts and third-sector organisations. An Interpretive Framework analysis considered within- and across-site insights.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Results</title> <p>Issues arising from the implementation of personalisation for people with mental health needs are presented under two general themes: "responsibility and power" and "vision and leadership". Key challenges identified were complexities of working across NHS and LAs, the importance of effective leadership and engagement with service user representatives.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Implementing personal budgets in mental health requires effective engagement of health and social-care systems. Change processes need strong leadership, clear vision and personal commitment, with ownership by all key stakeholders, including front-line practitioners.</p> </sec> </abstract>