Community Mental Health Team Management in Severe Mental Illness: a Systematic Review

This study aimed to assess the benefits of community mental health team management in severe mental illness. A systematic review was conducted of community mental health team management compared with other standard approaches. Community mental health team management was associated with fewer deaths by suicide & in suspicious circumstances, less dissatisfaction with care, & fewer drop-outs. Duration of in-patient psychiatric treatment is shorter with community team management & costs of care are less, but there are no gains in clinical symptomatology or social functioning. It is concluded that this model of care is effective & deserves encouragement. (30 refs.)