A Modernized Mental Health Service: the Role of Care Pathways

Aim: This paper reviews the impact of the UK governments' strategy and structures to improve the quality of mental health care. The possible role of care pathways within this modernization agenda is discussed.

Background: The governments' emphasis upon reducing clinical variation and cost effective treatments complements both the historical and structural elements of care pathways. This paper is a reflection on some of the issues within this debate.

Methods: The paper reviews the latest publications from government sources and draws on the authors' research and critical analysis of the care pathway literature.

Findings: The government has made an explicit movement towards structuring care processes within the newly formed National Service Framework. However, there are many problems in following standardized care processes such as professional antagonism and a relative dearth of evidence-based practice.

Conclusion: Further research is required to examine the wider impact of government initiatives on the work force. Care pathways may provide the structure for this research and development activity.