Mental health care clusters and payment by results: considerations for social inclusion and recovery

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to critically examine the emerging policy agenda of payment by results (PbR) and care clusters in order to identify how to engage with it to ensure it is supportive of social inclusion and recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

Care clusters and PbR for mental health care are critically examined.

Findings

There is scope in the ongoing development of care clusters and associated pathways to continue the progressive developments towards recovery and social inclusion in the commissioning and delivery of mental health care, but they need to be nurtured and actively pursued.

Practical implications

The care clusters and developments building on them provide scope for supporting social inclusion and recovery practice, but also some risks; hence, those with an interest in furthering such practice need to engage now locally and nationally with care clusters developments.

Originality/value

PbR is being pursued as a policy for commissioning mental health care in England, based on a model of care clusters. This paper discusses the move to PbR and its possible implications for the recovery and social inclusion agenda.

Citation

Clark, M. (2011), "Mental health care clusters and payment by results: considerations for social inclusion and recovery", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 15 No. 2, pp. 71-77. https://doi.org/10.1108/20428301111140912