Changing to problem-oriented methods. Implementation in psychiatric institutions.

Abstract

The so-called problem-oriented methods for organizing and recording clinical information offer many potential benefits to users in psychiatric institutions. Beyond the mechanical aspects of implementation, incorporating a problem-oriented approach into the practices of clinical teams entails conceptual and practical readjustments of considerable magnitude. Based on an 18-month study of eight psychiatric teams with diverse characteristics, the paper discusses rationales and priorities, as well as administrative and educational considerations in the conversion process. Such a process must be studied and understood in setting objectives and channeling resources, if outcomes are to match the expectations.