A comparison of service users placed out of their local area and local rehabilitation service users

Abstract

Background: Under provision of highly supported mental health accommodation in the UK has led to service users being placed away from their local area. These out of area treatments (OATs) are expensive and exacerbate service users' social dislocation.

Aims: (i) To assess service users in OATs for suitability for relocation to local rehabilitation and supported accommodation. (ii) To compare characteristics of OATs with local rehabilitation service users in order to identify gaps in local provision.

Method: Over the first 30 months, 51 OATs were identified and 40 reviewed. Standardized assessment data were compared with local rehabilitation service users' data.

Results: Individuals placed in OATs had a greater range of diagnoses and more had alcohol dependency than local service users. Ratings of social function were similar. Though severity of challenging behaviours was greater for OATs clients, few were “hard to place” in community settings. Of 25 (63%) OATs assessed as suitable to move, 13 (33%) relocated, all to more independent accommodation. Associated financial flows were reinvested into new local highly supported flats.

Conclusion: A significant proportion of individuals placed in OATs can successfully relocate to more independent local facilities.

Declaration of interest: None.

Keywords:

• Out of area treatments
• rehabilitation services