A new study has found that a treatment model which places patients' priorities at the centre of care, provides continuity by keeping the same clinicians involved, and explicitly involves family members or other close contacts is associated with a reduction in admissions to mental health hospitals.
The approach differs from conventional crisis services by emphasising what patients themselves identify as important and by engaging people close to the patient as part of the support network. Continuity of clinician support was a core element, with patients seeing the same professionals rather than rotating through multiple staff.
Researchers say these components together appear to help manage crises in the community and reduce the need for inpatient treatment. By aligning care with patient priorities and mobilising informal supports, the model may allow more people to remain in their usual environments rather than being admitted to hospital.
The findings add to a growing interest in community‑based and family‑involved approaches to mental health care. Health services considering ways to lower inpatient pressures and improve patient experience may look to such models for further evaluation and potential wider adoption.