Defining continuity of care from the perspectives of mental health service users and professionals: an exploratory, comparative study.

Background: Continuity of care (COC) is central to the organization and delivery of mental health services. Traditional definitions have excluded service users, and this lack of involvement has been linked to poor conceptual clarity surrounding the term. Consequently, very little is known about the differences and similarities in the conceptualization of COC by mental health service users and professionals.

The effect of organisational resources and eligibility issues on transition from child and adolescent to adult mental health services.

Objectives: To investigate the organisational factors that impede or facilitate transition of young people from child and adolescent (CAMHS) to adult mental health services (AMHS).

Methods: Thirty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted with health and social care professionals working in child and adult services in four English NHS Mental Health Trusts and voluntary organisations. Data were analysed thematically using a structured framework.

'Talking a different language': an exploration of the influence of organizational cultures and working practices on transition from child to adult mental health services.

Background: Organizational culture is manifest in patterns of behaviour underpinned by beliefs, values, attitudes and assumptions, which can influence working practices. Cultural factors and working practices have been suggested to influence the transition of young people moving from child to adult mental health services. Failure to manage and integrate transitional care effectively can lead to young people losing contact with health and social care systems, resulting in adverse effects on health, well-being and potential.

Pan-London tuberculosis services: a service evaluation.

Background: London has the largest proportion of tuberculosis (TB) cases of any western European capital, with almost half of new cases drug-resistant. Prevalence varies considerably between and within boroughs with research suggesting inadequate control of TB transmission in London. Economic pressures may exacerbate the already considerable challenges for service organisation and delivery within this context.

Listening to those on the frontline: service users' experiences of London tuberculosis services.

Aim: To explore tuberculosis (TB) service users' experiences and satisfaction with care provision.

Background: Thirty-nine percent of all new UK TB cases occur in London. Prevalence varies considerably between and within boroughs.

Achieving continuity of care: facilitators and barriers in community mental health teams.

Background: The integration of mental health and social services for people diagnosed with severe mental illness (SMI) has been a key aspect of attempts to reform mental health services in the UK and aims to minimise user and carer distress and confusion arising from service discontinuities. Community mental health teams (CMHTs) are a key component of UK policy for integrated service delivery, but implementing this policy has raised considerable organisational challenges. The aim of this study was to identify and explore facilitators and barriers perceived to influence continuity of care by health and social care professionals working in and closely associated with CMHTs.

Process, outcome and experience of transition from child to adult mental healthcare: multiperspective study.

Background: Many adolescents with mental health problems experience transition of care from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) to adult mental health services (AMHS).

Aims: As part of the TRACK study we evaluated the process, outcomes and user and carer experience of transition from CAMHS to AMHS.

Method: We identified a cohort of service users crossing the CAMHS/AMHS boundary over 1 year across six mental health trusts in England.

Closing the gap between expectations and practice in continuity of care: can we still teach continuity of care?

An educational improvement audit of general practitioner (GP) training in continuity of patient care with special reference to patients with long-term conditions was commissioned by a postgraduate medical and dental deanery. The audit comprised interviews (n = 13) with GP trainers, trainees and GPs who had recently completed their training. These interviews were thematically analysed and the findings discussed in workshops with stakeholders in GP education.

Specialist nursing interventions for inflammatory bowel disease.

Background: The number, type and roles of specialist nurses dedicated to the care and management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease is increasing. Despite this increase, there has been little evidence to date to demonstrate the effectiveness of specialist nursing interventions. This review aims to identify and evaluate the impact of specialist nursing interventions on management of inflammatory bowel disease, access to treatment, remission, morbidity and quality of life.

Stakeholder perceptions of specialist Inflammatory Bowel Disease nurses' role and personal attributes.

The number of advanced nursing roles dedicated to the care and management of patients with chronic, long-term Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) has increased, particularly in the UK. However, studies reporting effectiveness and scope of practice remain extremely limited. This paper focuses on specialist or advanced nursing practice from the perception of patients and their families living with IBD.