Evaluation of a modernized supported housing intervention for individuals who experience severe and persistent mental illness in Ontario, Canada

• Published in: Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing Vol. 30; no. 5; pp. 963 - 973
• Main Authors: Booth, Richard G., Lam, Melody, Forchuk, Cheryl, Yang, Annie, Shariff, Salimah Z.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.10.2023
• Subjects: Assisted living facilities; Health services; health services delivery; housing; Mental disorders; Mental health care; Primary care; Ontario Canada; Canada; health services delivery; housing
• ISSN: 1351-0126; 1365-2850
• DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12915

What is known on the subject Supported housing approaches that include case management and increased opportunities for independence and personal autonomy for people who are living with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) have been found to help reduce hospitalizations and use of the emergency department. What is not fully clear is if these types of supported housing arrangements also influence the use of primary health care and other specialist services. What the paper adds to existing knowledge This study uncovered that individuals experiencing SPMI who lived in supported housing used more primary health care and specialist physician services, in the year following transition to this housing arrangement. What are the implications for practice The findings of this study suggest that supported housing arrangements for people experiencing SPMI may help in improving the personalization of health services for individual residents, including increasing access to both primary health care and specialist services. This is important for nursing practice, as the findings of the study show that supported housing arrangements for people experiencing SPMI may assist in better supporting their complex health care needs. Introduction Supported housing for people who are living with severe and persistent mental illness (SPMI) has been found to help reduce hospitalizations and use of the emergency department. What is not fully clear is if these types of supported housing arrangements also influence the use of primary health care and other specialist services. Aim/Question The aim of this study was to compare the use of health services use of individuals with SPMI, before and after transition to the new supported housing program. Method Using health care administrative databases, a pre‐post cohort study was conducted examining the health system use of residents who transitioned from custodial to supported housing arrangements between 2017 and 2019. Results Individuals with SPMI used more primary health care and specialist physician services after transition to the supported housing model. Discussion The results suggest that a supported housing model may be associated with increased usage of outpatient person‐centred health services in people experiencing SPMI. Implications for Practice The findings of this study suggest that supported housing arrangements for people experiencing SPMI may help in improving the personalization of health services for individual. This is important for nursing practice, as the findings of the study show that supported housing arrangements may assist in better supporting complex health care needs of individuals.