Two weeks in the life of a community mental health team: A survey of case-mix and clinical activity in the north-west of Sheffield

Abstract

Aims and method: The aim of the study was to determine whether diagnostic case-mix influenced the distribution of clinical activity within the community mental health team (CMHT). Information concerning every patient involved with the CMHT and every episode of clinical activity was collected over a 2-week period. Results: Data were obtained concerning 417 patients and 1744 corresponding episodes of clinical activity. Diagnostic case-mix significantly differed between the professions. The duration of episodes of clinical activity varied significantly according to the type of patients involved and whether or not direct face to face contact occurred. Clinical implications: Diagnostic case-mix, in addition to absolute numbers, should be considered when estimating the actual work generated by the different professions' case-loads. Patients with psychosis may place an increased time burden upon CMHT members.