Crisis resolution and home treatment teams for older people with mental illness

Aims and Method We examined the impact of a crisis resolution and home treatment teams (CRHTT) on hospital admission rates, bed days and treatment satisfaction among older people with mental illness and their carers. We compared these factors in the 6 months before the service started and 6 months after its introduction. Results The CRHTT significantly reduced admissions ( P <0.001), but there was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay as compared before and after the introduction of this service. There was a trend towards carers, but not patients, being more satisfied with treatment after the introduction of the CRHTT. Clinical Implications The CRHTT reduced hospital admissions for older people by 31% and carers preferred the service. Further research on crisis teams in older people with mental illness is needed using randomised controlled methodology.