Reviewing the Care Programme Approach (CPA)
Policy and guidance
The Care Programme Approach (CPA), established in 1991, is the care assessment, planning and review system for people with severe mental illness using specialist (secondary) mental health services.The system is designed to coordinate activity to meet individual's needs for treatment, support and care across a range of services, (e.g. medication, therapy, housing, finances, education, personal aspirations).
New CPA implementation guidance In response to a national consultation, Refocusing the Care Programme Approach has been published to support implementation of CPA. The following satellite documents support the implementation guidance:
- good practice examples
- Making CPA work for you - service user and carer leaflet and booklet. A DVD to accompany Making CPA Work for You is available from Department of Health.
- Supporting parents with mental health problems and their children
- Care co-ordination core function and competences
- Understanding homelessness and mental health
Consultation The Care Programme Approach was reviewed to look at ways to improve the delivery across England drawing from examples of good practice. A formal public consultation ran from 13 November 2006 to 19 February 2007. All responses received to the consultation will be considered in developing the policy and implementation guidance. A summary of responses can be viewed here.
Single equality impact assessment In accordance with Department of Health guidance, a single equality impact assessment was undertaken for the CPA review . The project charter, project plan and final report can be viewed here.
View service user's and carer's comments on CPA and wider issues including risk here.
Risk assessment and management Risk assessment and management is an essential and on-going element of good mental health practice and a critical and integral component of the CPA process. We are undertaking work on risk assessment and management in mental health through the Risk Management Programme.
Health and Social Care Common Assessment Framework The Department of Health is developing a Common Assessment Framework (CAF) for adults. The intention is that CPA is a specialist process within this overall system.
Evidence
Back on Track (2005) Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health looked at a sample of 300 service users and examined the effectiveness of care programme approach.
Survey of Users (2006) Healthcare Commission survey of 4,796 service users includes views on Care Programme Approach. Questions covered knowing who the care coordinator is and how to contact them,writing the care plan, receiving a copy of the care plan, and understanding the care plan.
Review of literature on the Care Programme Approach (Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health 2005).
Research priorities for service user and carer centred mental health services (SCMH 2006) found service user involvement in care planning was identified as a research priority.
Information
Care Programme Approach Association (CPAA) has been established to support the implementation, operation, and development of the Care Programme Approach.