Achieving Integrated Treatment: A realist synthesis of service models and systems for co-existing serious mental health and substance use conditions

Janet Harris*, Sonia Dalkin, Lisa Jones, Tom Ainscough, Michelle Maden, Angela Bate, Alexandre Copello, Gail Gilchrist, Emma Griffith, Luke Mitcheson, Harry Sumnall, Elizabeth Hughes

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Approximately 30–50% of people with serious mental illness have co-existing drug or alcohol problems (COSMHAD), associated with adverse health and social care outcomes. UK guidelines advocate both co-occurring needs being met within mental health services, but uncertainty remains about how to operationalise this to improve outcomes. Various unevaluated service configurations exist in the UK. A realist synthesis was done to identify, test, and refine programme theories of how context shapes the mechanisms through which UK service models for COSMHAD work, for whom, and in what circumstances. Structured and iterative realist searches of seven databases identified 5099 records. A two-stage screening process identified 132 papers. Three broad contextual factors shaped COSMHAD services across 11 programme theories: committed leadership, clear expectations regarding COSMHAD from mental health and substance use workforces, and clear care-coordination processes. These contextual factors led to increased staff empathy, confidence, legitimisation, and multidisciplinary ethos, which improved care coordination and increased the motivation of people with COSMHAD to work towards their goals. Our synthesis highlights that integrating COSMHAD care is complex, and both individual and cultural behavioural shifts in leadership, workforce, and service delivery are essential to ensure people with COSMHAD receive compassionate, trauma-informed care that meets their needs.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)632-643
Number of pages12
JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry
Volume10
Issue number8
Early online date13 Jun 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2023

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