Part 2: The organization of mental health care. Contrasting prevailing approaches with integrated care pathways - integrated care pathways, the care programme approach and clinical guidelines

This paper is the second in a series of two which contrasts the various approaches to managing mental health care with integrated care pathways (ICPs). As outlined in Part 1, over the last decade, ICPs have become commonly used to manage the patient journey for people with mental health problems. This paper specifically considers how ICPs relate to and impact upon the implementation of the care programme approach and use of clinical guidelines in mental health care. Underpinning the discussion is a recent literature review conducted using a systematic approach. The discussion which follows gives a critique of care pathway development, and perspectives on choice and indivdualised care. The conclusions suggest that progress is being made towards incorporating individualised care and choice for service users within the structures of mental health ICPs. The literature outlines that as an approach to managing care ICPs have gone beyond traditional approaches to implementing clinical guidelines and case management, with potential to enable the best possible opportunities and outcomes for service users and carers. To ensure this kind of success, the ICP development process, clinical engagement, involvement and ICP content are obvious critical factors.