Maritt Kirst1,2,3, Katherine Francombe Pridham1, Renira Narrandes2, Flora Matheson1,2, Linda Young4, Kristina Niedra4, Vicky Stergiopoulos1,5. 1. a Centre for Research on Inner City Health, St. Michael's Hospital , Toronto , Canada . 2. b Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada . 3. c Toronto Central Community Care Access Centre , Toronto , Canada . 4. d Toronto East General Hospital , Toronto , Canada , and. 5. e Department of Psychiatry , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Mobile Crisis Intervention Teams (MCITs) have emerged as a police and mental health system co-response to assist police in responding to individuals experiencing mental health crises. There is a gap in knowledge regarding the critical program components that contribute to successful MCIT implementation. AIMS: This evaluation study aimed to understand processes of implementation of a multi-site MCIT program in a large urban center and to identify program strengths and challenges, as well as levels of satisfaction in service delivery. METHODS: Fifty-seven stakeholders participated in qualitative interviews and focus groups, including: MCIT consumers and staff, individuals from the health system, police services, and community organizations. RESULTS: Overall, program stakeholders perceived the MCIT program positively and viewed it as meeting its key goals. The implementation evaluation has highlighted the importance of respectful interaction with consumers, cross-sector training and collaboration, and ensuring clarity in program mandate and staff roles. These program components can continue to be built upon to improve MCIT service delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies should further evaluate the role of key strengths in MCIT program implementation as well as the impact of recommended improvements on program outcomes.
BACKGROUND: Mobile Crisis Intervention Teams (MCITs) have emerged as a police and mental health system co-response to assist police in responding to individuals experiencing mental health crises. There is a gap in knowledge regarding the critical program components that contribute to successful MCIT implementation. AIMS: This evaluation study aimed to understand processes of implementation of a multi-site MCIT program in a large urban center and to identify program strengths and challenges, as well as levels of satisfaction in service delivery. METHODS: Fifty-seven stakeholders participated in qualitative interviews and focus groups, including: MCIT consumers and staff, individuals from the health system, police services, and community organizations. RESULTS: Overall, program stakeholders perceived the MCIT program positively and viewed it as meeting its key goals. The implementation evaluation has highlighted the importance of respectful interaction with consumers, cross-sector training and collaboration, and ensuring clarity in program mandate and staff roles. These program components can continue to be built upon to improve MCIT service delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Future studies should further evaluate the role of key strengths in MCIT program implementation as well as the impact of recommended improvements on program outcomes.
Keywords:
Implementation evaluation; mental health crisis; mobile crisis intervention team; police-mental health co-response model
Authors: Nidal Drissi; Sofia Ouhbi; Mohammed Abdou Janati Idrissi; Luis Fernandez-Luque; Mounir Ghogho Journal: J Med Internet Res Date: 2020-08-28 Impact factor: 5.428