Service Evaluation and Formulation of Strategies Development Plan for Lok Hong ICCMW - Tung Wah Group of Hospitals

Abstract

The merits of intensive care/case management for persons with severe mental illness (SMI) in the community have been widely recognized. In Hong Kong, due to various practical constraints, several ad hoc case management services were introduced at different time points in the past. To revamp the fragmentized service structure, the Social Welfare Department (SWD), Hong Kong SAR government merged the existing services around a new ‘mega service’ named the Integrated Community Center for Mental Wellness (ICCMW) in 2010. The scope of service of ICCMW is extremely wide. According to the SWD’s official literature, ICCMW aims to be ‘an integrated centre providing one-stop, district-based and accessible community support and social rehabilitation services ranging from early prevention to risk management for discharged mental service users, persons with suspected mental health problems, their families/carers and residents living in the serving district.’ Although the prevailing intensive care/case management model has demonstrated consistent evidence of efficacy, it does have some obvious limitations. The mode of service delivery is primarily home visits. Such labour intensive approach may not be the most effective or efficient use of the available resources. Alternative service modes are worth exploring. Theoretically the new ICCMW model has some merits and may address the key limitations of the traditional care/case management model. If synergy among its three core service components, which are casework, occupational therapy and program, is generated, ICCMW can provide better service to community-based mental health service in a more effective, efficient and sustainable way. Nevertheless, these claims are yet to be evaluated rigorously. After about 3 years of operation, it is the right timing to conduct a comprehensive review of ICCMW, in particular, with a view to identify strategies for maximizing the synergy among the three service components and optimizing its breath of service. Commissioned by the TWGHs Lok Hong ICCMW, the current research aims to address these critical questions. Methods The project adopts multimodal research methods, with special emphasis of engaging the staff members of Lok Hong ICCMW throughout the process. There are four stages which facilitate the researchers and staff members systematically in gaining and expanding insights into the core matters. The four stages of the project are: Stage 1: First staffs retreat for SWOT analysis and formulating action plan; Stage 2: Clinical data mining studies on casework, occupational therapy (OT) and program services; Stage 3: Individual interviews with staff members; and Stage 4: Second staffs retreat for critical review and formulation of strategic directions Detailed findings are reported and thoroughly discussed in my report released in May 2015.