ACT and recovery: integrating evidence-based practice and recovery orientation on assertive community treatment teams

Community Ment Health J. 2007 Dec;43(6):619-41. doi: 10.1007/s10597-007-9088-5. Epub 2007 May 21.

Abstract

We examine whether Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), a widely implemented and rigorously studied practice, can successfully incorporate a recovery-oriented approach while continuing to retain program fidelity. We briefly review the effectiveness of ACT as an evidence-based practice, with a focus on adaptations to changing populations and contexts. We explore philosophical similarities and differences between ACT and recovery and examine how fidelity standards, a widely used indicator of how ACT teams operate, support or interfere with the adoption of a recovery-oriented practice. Finally, we provide recommendations on how best to incorporate a recovery orientation into existing ACT teams.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel
  • Coercion
  • Community Mental Health Services / methods*
  • Community Mental Health Services / organization & administration
  • Consumer Behavior
  • Deinstitutionalization / methods
  • Delivery of Health Care / standards*
  • Health Policy
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care
  • Patient Care Team / statistics & numerical data*
  • Professional Practice / statistics & numerical data
  • Psychiatry / statistics & numerical data
  • Treatment Outcome