Suchergebnisse

Background: A great amount of research has been done in the area of gender and severe mental illness. However, there is an apparent lack of studies on gender differences concerning needs and care. Aim: To analyze differences in needs and care between men and women considered to be severely mentally ill (SMI) after the 1995 Swedish mental health care reform. Method: In one area of Sweden, surveys were made in 1995/96 and 2006 of persons considered to be SMI. These persons were interviewed and their needs assessed. In a cross-sectional study in 2006, the needs and care of men and women were compared. In a longitudinal study, men and women interviewed in both 1995/96 and 2006 were compared concerning the development of needs and care. Results: The structure of needs differed between men and women. Men had more needs concerning functional disability and those needs seemed possible to meet in the existing service structure. Women's needs concerning physical health, information about health and own security, seemed to be more difficult to meet. Only a few gender differences were found in satisfaction with services and service utilization. Conclusion: It seems urgent to have a gender perspective in a needs-led mental healthcare service.

A mental health‐care reform was implemented in Sweden in 1995. The objective of this study has been to investigate whether, five years after the reform, there were any changes in the group of persons considered to be severely mentally ill. To estimate the number and needs of severely mentally ill persons, a survey was made in 1995/96 and again in 2000/2001, using the same definition of 'severely mentally ill', and the same interview form used on both occasions. Needs were assessed using the Camberwell Assessment of Need. In the 1995/96 survey, 602 individuals were identified as severely mentally ill. In 2000/2001, the number was 828. Those surveyed in 2000/2001 had, on average, fewer unmet needs. The results indicate that one reason for the difference in the size of the groups was that the way the concept of severely mentally ill was interpreted had changed.

Background: In a health-care service with the emphasis on improvement related to functioning and well-being, the communication process between patient and professionals is essential. There is a lack of research on this matter. Aim: The aim was to investigate, in a group of severely mentally ill persons, whether the use of a simple communication tool could influence the sense of empowerment, satisfaction with care, therapeutic alliance and unmet needs. Method: The study had a cluster randomized design. The intervention was a communication tool (2-COM) applied in two teams during one year. In a comparison group of two other teams, the treatment was as usual. At baseline, after six months, and after one year, assessments were made. Results: After one year the 2-COM groups seemed to have a larger reduction in unmet needs compared to the treatment-as-usual group. However, there were large problems with attrition in the study, and it was not possible to draw relevant conclusions. Conclusions: The methodological problems were substantial, and the study may be considered as a pilot study. In a main study the researchers ought to take control over the selection of patients on the basis of the experiences from this study.