Delivery of a mainstreaming treatment model towards co-existing difficulties: a brief exploration of practitioners’ understanding, views and reported experiences

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the delivery of a mainstreaming model within a public sector, mental health (National Health Service (NHS)) organisation. The model promotes the inclusivity of a spectrum of presentations from co-existing moderate anxiety and depression to severe mental disorder (psychosis) and problematic substance and alcohol use.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces the delivery of three collective approaches, termed the “three essential elements” to support a mainstreaming treatment model, facilitated by a “Dual Diagnosis Lead”. The model encompasses; a “direct access” referral pathway, joint collaboration with practitioners and the delivery of a “Dual Diagnosis” training programme. An independent evaluation was commissioned to explore eight mental health and substance misuse practitioners’ views and experiences in relation to the impact of the mainstreaming model. This paper also considers feedback from 230 course participants attending a one day “Dual Diagnosis” training programme.

Findings

This paper suggests that practitioners may benefit from the implementation of the mainstreaming approach and the delivery of this approach could be moving “Dual Diagnosis” interventions closer to mainstream practice.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of the mainstreaming model are acknowledged in relation to the generalisation of practitioners’ views and reported experiences.

Originality/value

This paper offers a description of the delivery of a mainstreaming model involving the “three essential elements”. The model provides a useful insight and demonstrates the possibilities which may be achieved when attempting to implement a mainstreaming treatment approach within mainstream mental health and drug and alcohol services.

Citation

Guest, C. and Chrisp, T.A.C. (2015), "Delivery of a mainstreaming treatment model towards co-existing difficulties: a brief exploration of practitioners’ understanding, views and reported experiences", Advances in Dual Diagnosis, Vol. 8 No. 2, pp. 102-115. https://doi.org/10.1108/ADD-12-2013-0031