The relationships between user, carer and staff perceptions of need in an assertive outreach team

Abstract

Background: There has been little research into the experience of people caring for the mentally ill. This study compared CANSAS ratings of need made by service users, carers and staff in an ACT team.

Method: Participating service users and care coordinators completed independent CANSAS ratings of need and all carers were asked to rate service users they cared for using CANSAS.

Results: Seventy-eight (92%) service users and 32 carers (91%) participated. Similar levels of need were rated by service users with and without a carer. Among those with a carer, staff and carers reported higher levels of need, than service users. Carers rated higher needs in care of the home and self care, than service users or staff. Levels of agreement between service user and staff ratings were at least “good” in 16/22 domains. Agreement between service users and carers was markedly lower. Agreement between staff and carer need ratings was similar to service user/carer levels.

Conclusion: Assessing need from the perspectives of service user, carer and staff highlights discrepancies and may reveal important information. “Triangulated” assessment helps to produce more comprehensive care planning and this should support carers in their role, strengthening their alliance with mental health services.

Declaration of interest: None.

Keywords:

• Carers
• service users
• assertive outreach team