A needs assessment of community resettled mental health service users.

Abstract

This study evaluates the quality of life of community resettled mental health service users (CRMHSUs), by means of a needs assessment tool. The study is a descriptive cross-sectional design made up of two parts. In stage [I] qualitative data is collected while quantitative data is collected in stage [II]. The research population comprises of 29 females and 20 males, their mean age is 48 years. They live alone or share with others and financially they are independent. Qualitative data was collected by means of elite interviews held with 9 key stakeholders in the area of health and social services. The quantitative data was collected using a needs assessment tool, the CAN-R. This was initially translated by the author into Maltese for the purpose of this study. The Can-R can be used both in clinical and research settings. It can also be used for on going evaluation as an outcome measure to help justify resource allocation. Using the same tool, information was also gathered from 49 carers so that comparisons could be drawn. This triangulation of research methods served to add depth to information generated. This study reports that local services are not managing to provide a quality of life as perceived by users and their carers. Statistical significance was obtained in all individual scores and also some global scores tested. These findings compare well with results from international studies namely: the PORT and the EPSILON projects. The study also reports that whilst the majority of CRMHSUs are quite happy to be outside of institutional care regimes of yesteryears, however their current quality of life is rather low. More resources in terms of community setups, trained personnel and good information and communication systems are examples of how services can be ameliorated.