Service development: Systemic principles and working with High Intensity Users

PHOTO CREDIT: Cottonbro StudioHigh intensity users are described as individuals who repeatedly use mental health services across both inpatient and urgent care settings. Services that are designed to meet the needs of high intensity users are often set up to reflect an individual position. Locating the problem within the person did not reflect the challenges faced by either the individuals themselves or the services that are designed to meet their needs. Systemic thinking was applied to consider the multiple factors contributing to the individuals’ presentations to services and a service was designed to ensure the individual felt all services were collaborating to meet their needs most effectively.