[Assertive community treatment at the University Psychiatric Clinics in Basel: Presentation of pilot projects Re-ACT and ACTTIV and results from a qualitative survey among referrers].

Abstract

The recovery oriented Assertive Community Treatment (Re-ACT) and the Assertive Community Treatment - Transitional Intervention (ACTTIV) are two newly implemented assertive outreach pilot projects of the University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK). Initial results of evaluation conducted along with their implementation are presented here regarding the referral process from the inpatient setting. In order to successfully establish the pilot projects, experience and perspectives of referring physicians to the outreach treatment were explored. Three semi-structured focus group interviews were conducted.Qualitative content analysis according to Mayring identified five topics: (1) registration procedure, (2) differentiation from existing care options in the region, (3) patients' experiences with the services, (4) indication for treatment and (5) expectations of the referring physicians regarding the outreach treatment. Referring physicians rated the outreach treatment as helpful and effective. As soon as patients came into contact with the assertive community treatment, they reported positive experiences to the referring physicians. There was a desire for more flexible registration times so that admission would also be possible after discharge from the hospital. Furthermore, more information could be helpful for a systematised assessment of indications and for distinguishing the new treatment options from existing services.The newly implemented outreach services at UPK Basel are viewed positively by referring physicians. These services can close a treatment gap between inpatient and outpatient care and address the individual needs of patients. While referring physicians report positive experiences, further research is needed, in particular, to gain a better understanding of the patients' perspectives.