A Study on Practitioners' Perceptions of the Implementation Process and Performance of the Community Care for People with Mental Disorders

Abstract

Through focus group interviews, this study explores perceptions of practitioners participating in the community care for people with mental illnesses and analyzes the operation process and performance of the community care. The main contents are ① evaluation of the overall circumstances that have changed while promoting the community care project, ② public participation and its role in the service delivery process, ③ collaboration with various service delivery entities, ④ expansion of regional social network for providing multi-field services, and ⑤ changes in awareness of people with mental disabilities and mental health through the community care. In terms of changes in users, the major keywords include expansion of community services and user-centered service provision method. In regards to changes in the service delivery system, the major keywords are ① securing access to regional services, ② changes in service provision methods based on linkage and cooperation, and ③ general changes in community service provision and community perceptions of care. The results of the analysis serve as evidence in evaluating the changes in the service users and the service delivery system, and identifying the performance and limitations of the community care project for people with mental illnesses. This study provides basic knowledge necessary to develop a community-centered mental health service system and service delivery method in the future. This study will contribute to the establishment and expansion of a community-centered mental health service model that supports the mentally disabled to return to the community and normalized life.