[Innovative structuring in German care for schizophrenics]

Abstract

In a narrative literature review, innovative models of mental health care for people with schizophrenia are described. Structural aspects of mental health care such as the integration of services, new care paradigms, and innovative research questions are discussed. Key targets of innovative care include: improving continuity of care, introducing team-based community care, improving cooperation of all therapists, and integrating mental health, medical care, and social services. Models of current care for people with schizophrenia such as case management, crisis intervention, home treatment, and supported employment are described; and the evidence supporting these interventions is discussed. In the models of integrated care, there is an enhanced integration of psychosocial modules or service elements. One of the key challenges in mental health service systems is to consider the needs and aims of people with severe mental illness, to take into account biological vulnerability, symptoms of illness, and cognitive impairment of patients (whenever interventions are possible). One of the guiding principles is patient/user autonomy and a focus on user perspective. This implies that people suffering from schizophrenia should have the right to live in the least restrictive environment possible.