Part 1: The organization of mental health care. Contrasting prevailing approaches with integrated care pathways - care plans, case management and integrated care pathways

This paper is the first in a series of two which contrasts the various approaches to managing mental health care with integrated care pathways (ICPs). Over the last decade, ICPs have been commonly used to manage the patient journey for people with mental health problems. This development has taken place with little consideration of howthey (ICPs) relate and impact upon other frameworks commonly used to manage mental health care. Underpinning the discussion is a recent literature review conducted using a systematic approach. Using existing theory, the various approaches are outlined and opportunities taken to debate the differences between ICPs and the alternative methods. This paper critically contrasts ICPs with care plans and case management, and together with the second paper in the series, offers a view as to the benefits and limitations of ICPs compared to other approaches in managing care.