What are the best ways to evaluate a mental health patient's treatment plan?

At SAS-fit, we don't know what a treatment plan looks like until we understand the person's life story, their mental health story, their symptoms, and how they are affected. Our therapists have a large box of therapy tools and will use the most appropriate ones to address the most challenging aspect of the case. As a result, every treatment plan is unique, as different as each case and each person. Our approach also allows the treatment plan to change as progress is made, change to accommodate new information, or learning styles. We also conclude each case by using some tools of our own to test the outcome, so we know a full recovery has been made. Our treatment also gives people the tools and coping strategies to prevent future relapse.

As a Military case manager, I have found a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment plan that includes not only BH providers but PCM, other specialists such as TBI and pain management and most importantly the family. We can learn so much from the people who spend the most time with the patient which helps to create the best plan of care that the family can assist with especially post discharge.

Find out what is important to the client and go from there. Each client has their own goals so each treatment plan should be different.

My perspective is that clinical training, skill, and experience are important. Secondly, the development of a realistic treatment plan is developed from a conversation with the patient. Thirdly, honesty and trust are built over time there must be some fluidity to the plan. Fourthly, patients need to know who to call when they slipped or feel they are slipping. Patients don’t want to disappoint. Feeling supported lends much encouragement.

From a case manager's point, a thorough assessment needs to be reviewed, past medical and emotional history. As mark Eastwood put it what is their life story. The goals need to be client centered. Empower them to develop their goals to that they can be held accountable. Make them SMART goals. Use change management theories to assist them.

As we know, mental health treatment is a very individual experience and can only draw so many generalities. Genetics, Background, Current social situation, Lifestyle, Comorbidities- all affect treatment and outcomes. 1. Don't overcomplicate the treatment plan. It doesn't have to have dozens of interventions. Especially considering there is a large percentage of trial-and-error in psychiatric treatment anyway. Simplify. 2. Be Flexible. Start with 2-3 interventions and track the outcomes every couple of weeks. Tailor the interventions based on patient response. 3. Be open to alternative treatments and empowering the patient through patient-centered care. This empowerment develops positive coping mechanisms as well.

Coming from both a Corrections and trauma informed care perspective I would like to add that dosage matters. Taking a low risk client and adding high level services as well as a lengthy time frame is often disproportionate to their needs and will not bear the outcomes we want.

Assessing Treatment Interventions: Intervention Effectiveness: Evaluate the effectiveness of specific interventions, such as therapy modalities, medication, or lifestyle changes, in addressing the patient's symptoms and improving functioning. Intervention Suitability: Assess whether the interventions are appropriate for the patient's diagnosis, age, cultural background, and individual preferences. Intervention Adjustments: Consider whether any interventions need to be modified, replaced, or supplemented based on the patient's response and progress

Effectiveness is another crucial parameter. Have these interventions achieved what they were designed to do? If yes, it's important to identify and document the positive outcomes. They serve as valuable insights not just for the consumer but for the broader team and organisation as well. When interventions are effective, they reinforce the treatment pathway and often illuminate further opportunities for enhancing care. However, if interventions haven't yielded the desired outcomes, it's equally crucial to identify why. Are there external factors influencing this, such as social determinants? Or do the issues lie within the consumer's unique situation?

Some take this step for granted. Oftentimes it's tempting to keep interventions simple or generic because this section of the plan is where treatment providers can feel most exposed, anxious about the limits of their knowledge and skills. So it says a lot when someone dares to add even marginally unconventional approaches.

The review of outcomes serves as the capstone in the evaluation of a treatment plan, particularly in the mental health sector. Initially, one must examine whether the desired outcomes, such as symptom alleviation, functional improvement, or quality of life enhancement, remain pertinent and achievable for the consumer. A set of outcomes that seemed fitting at the onset may require revision as the consumer's condition evolves or as new evidence becomes available.

Monitoring Treatment Outcomes: Symptom Reduction: Monitor changes in the severity and frequency of the patient's symptoms to determine if the treatment is effectively addressing the presenting concerns. Functional Improvement: Assess improvements in the patient's daily functioning, including social interactions, work performance, and overall quality of life. Patient Satisfaction: Evaluate the patient's satisfaction with the treatment plan, considering their subjective experience and perceived benefits

In recreation therapy with people whether they are developmentally disabled or mentally ill you look for improving skills such as social, emotional, or physical abilities. Imagine skills, for example learned from bowling: choosing the bowling ball and shoes. Not only learning the steps to delivering the ball, but also courtesy when someone is already to deliver their ball. And though electronic scoring is now used, helping people score their game can be helpful for those who need to remember how to do simple math. Learning terms used in bowling is good as well. With classes like this there's weekly tests that are simple, review of the homework of scoring, and working toward game improvement. Success is based individually for just 10 wks.

Outcomes could be positive , very positive and the worst too. The negative or non responsive outcomes should be evaluated thoroughly, with each and every minute details that have been documented or recorded. the ability to pre- recognise the outcome plays an important role.

Your plan to heal the patient is walking/running towards the right direction depends on the outcome which is observed in every minute detail/behaviour of the patient. So observe the patient. Both side communication is very important. The patient words and actions are the outcomes which are the guiding force.

-Según mi experiencia, es fundamental plantear pequeños pasos y logros, en un tiempo determinado, basado en la confianza de la alianza médico-paciente. -Es muy importante la frecuencia de las intervenciones , semanales, de 1 a 3 veces por semana, el trabajo en equipo de salud mental y el apoyo de la familia , amigos. También la psicoeducación para saber qué se puede esperar en cada etapa del proceso de recuperación y aceptar los desafíos individuales en cada persona.

This is the most crucial aspect in my experience. As providers we want to empower our clients and give the space for autonomy. The individual must be motivated and generate their own goals with the therapist there as a guide in the process. The treatment plan is a living document and will change as the individual changes. Utilization of Motivational Therapy in this process is wonderful if you are trained in this EBP.

This is the most crucial part of any treatment plan. In my outpatient setting, my treatment plans are developed in tandem with the patient, and driven by their own words. What is important to/for them? What goal(s) do they want to achieve/work on within the treatment plan period (ours is 6-months)? What steps can they take to achieve their goal(s)? Their objectives are measurable and discussed throughout sessions. It is equally important to review the plan in tandem as well. Does the patient feel they made progress toward their stated goal(s)? Do they wish to continue this goal for another period? Do we update or change the goal completely? Treatment needs to be driven by the patient as much as possible.

The fourth step is actually the first step. Patients need to be part of a collaborative process in developing and reviewing a Treatment Plan that is appropriate for a particular person. This includes setting realistic goals, using treatments that best assist the person without retraumatising them, and evaluating treatment success and outcomes. Notes can be added if other factors in the interim have effected outcomes.

An effective treatment plan is one that involves the client. The diagnosis and path to wellness should not be a mystery to the client. Therapists and clients are collaborative partners, working together to achieve treatment goals. The therapeutic relationship is built upon respect, transparency, and authenticity. When a therapist demonstrates respect for the client's agency, it reinforces the client's ability to have control over their lives. If the therapist does not engage the client in decision making, the implied message is that the therapist controls the client's decisions and outcomes. The role of the therapist is to empower the client to regain control over their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Having the case manager make a phone call or set up a meeting is most beneficial. As mentioned this allows for a holistic approach. If the clients medical concerns are the cause of their depression we need to be outreaching the primary doctor to get a good plan in place for the client.

Collaboration with Other Professionals: Multidisciplinary Approach: Collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, or case managers, to gain a holistic understanding of the patient's needs. Information Sharing: Share relevant information with other involved professionals, ensuring coordinated care and consistent treatment approaches. Seeking Expertise: Consult with specialists or experts in specific areas if needed to address complex issues or provide additional support

Documentation and Follow-up: Thorough Documentation: Maintain detailed and accurate documentation of the treatment plan, progress notes, assessments, and any changes made. Regular Follow-up: Schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and make adjustments as needed. Treatment Plan Updates: Revise the treatment plan as needed based on the patient's progress, changing needs, or new developments

While discussing a patient's mental health, other stakeholders participation may improve or worsen the outcome. Depending on patient's or relative's written permission, other personnel may be involved only if it is genuinely required.

"The river does not insist on a straight course, yet it always reaches the sea." One of the most important lessons I've learned is that mental health treatment plans need to be flexible. Everyone's journey is different, so a rigid approach won't work for everyone. It's important to find a balance between sticking to a plan and making changes as needed. Case conferences are a great way for the entire treatment team to come together and discuss a patient's care. This helps us to get a better understanding of the patient's progress and to develop a more comprehensive care plan. It is important to invite the patient and their family to case conferences so that their voices are heard and they feel included in the decision-making process.

C’est évident, et même fondamental puisqu’il sera forcément le moteur du changement ou des apprentissages ou des apprentissages. Excellente journée

Additional Considerations: Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of the patient's cultural background and beliefs when evaluating the treatment plan, ensuring culturally sensitive care. Addressing Comorbidities: Consider any co-occurring mental health conditions or physical health issues that may impact treatment and require additional interventions. Support Systems: Assess the patient's support system, including family, friends, or community resources, and involve them in the treatment process as appropriate

Trust the family. Close family and friends will often have crucial insight into their changing behaviours, presentation, triggers, and warning signs. This is of course not always possible and there are times when family and friends aren’t contactable for multiple reasons, as well as this are other factors to consider, for example, if there was a safeguarding concern. Be guided by the patient with this and respect their privacy, ensure consent is gained where appropriate, and ensure the voice of the patient and the voice of the family are heard.

Recognizing the significance of a patient's support system is paramount in effective mental health treatment. While client buy-in is crucial for treatment success and aligns with ethical principles, involving family and close friends adds a valuable layer to the evaluation process. Involving the support system enriches the therapeutic narrative, fostering a more holistic understanding of the client's challenges and progress, considering environmental factors and relationship dynamics. This collaborative approach creates a more comprehensive and compassionate treatment strategy.

As I am working in with clients who have Home Care Packages Community Aged Care area, I notice that often the ACAS assessment of complex clients does not necessarily include a client's mental health history. They will name the diagnosed condition, but there is often a need to work through the client's medical history to find there is another agency involved and they have a Mental Health Treatment Plan. There are two many, branches of medicine that work in isolation, so the client ends up not being treated in a holistic manner. It is as if the different areas cannot work together to give the person a chance of living a better life.