Manuals and Articles

 

British Columbia Program Standards for Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Teams

The BC ACT Standards serves to guide ACT program start-up, implementation, and on-going operation by clearly defining the minimum program requirements.  Successful ACT model implementation and demonstrated improvements in client outcomes are best accomplished by close adherence to the ACT Standards.

A manual for ACT start-up: Based on the PACT model of community treatment for persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses.

This manual is a practical guidance on starting and operating an ACT program from the originators of the model. This manual describes the conceptual framework of ACT and details the day-to-day operations. 

Evidence-Based Mental Health Practice (EBP)

Is a textbook that introduces the concepts and approaches of EBP for treating serious mental illness and describes the importance of research in intervention science and the evolution of EBPs.  A chapter for each of five EBPs provides historical background, practice principles, and an introduction to implementation. Vignettes highlight the experiences of staff and consumers.

Implementing evidence-based practices in routine mental health service settings

The authors of this journal article define the differences between EBPs and related concepts, such as guidelines and algorithms. They discuss common concerns about using EBPs, such as whether ethical values have a role in shaping such practices and how to deal with clinical situations for which no scientific evidence exists.

Implementation Research: A Synthesis of the Literature

This monograph summarizes fi ndings from the review of the research literature on implementation.

Policy implications for implementing evidence-based practices

The authors of this journal article describe the policy and administrative issues related to implementing evidence-based practices, particularly in public-sector settings.

Assertive Community Treatment of Persons with Severe Mental Illness

Dr. Leonard Stein, an originator of the Assertive Community Treatment program, places ACT in the historical context of the treatment of consumers. Key principles of ACT are discussed along with issues related to financing and administration, and the operations of an effective ACT program.

Implementing evidence-based practices for persons with severe mental illnesses

The authors summarize perspectives on how best to change and sustain effective practice. This article includes a sample plan for implementing EBPs.

Tool-kit

BC ACT Fidelity Scale

Sample Job Descriptions

• Team Lead/Supervisor
• Psychiatrist
• Psychiatric Nurse 
• Social Worker
• Peer Specialist
• Vocational Specialist
• Occupational Therapist
• Other Clinical Staff
• Program Assistant

Team Organization and Communication Forms

• ACT Daily Staff Assignment Schedule
• ACT Weekly Client Schedule
• ACT Problem List
• ACT Treatment Plan
• Client Chart Checklist

Sample ACT Assessments

Initial Assessments

 

Comprehensive Assessments

• CANSAS
• Adult Needs and Strengths Assessment
• ASARI 
• Clinical Risk Management
• NAMI

Vocational Assessments

 

Peer Support Assessments

 

Nursing Assessments