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6.3 APPENDIX III

Strengths:

• There is good evidence for the effectiveness of the model
• There is no convincing alternative treatment for this group

• The treatment model is medium-term and intensive; short-term costs are incurred with a view to medium-term and long-term cost reductions
• The service would contribute to some of the key aims targeted by the National Service Framework

Weaknesses:

• There is likely to be an initial lag period in referrals as the service becomes known.
• The therapeutic community model is collaborative, and therefore depends on patient motivation. Nevertheless patients from this group who are not motivated to change are unlikely to succeed at any therapeutic endeavour.

• Allows more focussed and productive work in the longer term for Community Mental Health Teams and Primary Care Trusts.
• Research opportunities: service to be set up as a randomised controlled trial after first year of operation.
• Earning potential for Trust: OATS (daily travel will need to be feasible).
• Training and staff development opportunities: an opportunity for staff to use skills that may not have a viable outlet elsewhere, and for staff to experience effective working with a difficult patient group.

• There are no similar services within travelling distance for patients.