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Abstract
This project was designed to evaluate the services provided by a Travelling Psychiatric Day Hospital (TDH) in rural areas of the Highlands of Scotland. The services examined were for clients with severe long-term mental health problems living in the community, and for their relatives. Information via interviews and standard questionnaires was obtained from current (n=42) and previous (n=14) clients on satisfaction with the TDH, and on overall functioning and symptom levels. Carers (n=44) were interviewed to determine their satisfaction with TDH, the burden of care, and their views on clients' functioning. Follow-up interviews were carried out 12 months later. Clients and carers were generally satisfied with the services that the TDH provides; useful suggestions for improvements were made. Levels of client functioning were similar to those of previous studies on most measures, but there was little significant change between initial and follow up assessments. Clients expressed clear needs for better employment opportunities, greater financial support and wider social contacts. Most relatives reported health and financial problems resulting from the burden of caring for clients. It was concluded that a travelling day hospital can provide a useful service for people with a severe long-term psychiatric illness who are living in rural communities.