From shelters to penthouse suites: “I’ve treated patients in the downtown eastside and in some of Vancouver’s most exclusive homes,” says Brian Walsh, an AHBT RPN
Submitted by Richard Singleton, patient services manager, Acute Home Based Treatment Program, Vancouver
“There’s a lot of emptiness when it comes to mental illness,” says Gabriel.
The 50-year-old Vancouverite speaks from years of experience. So when his physician recommended a change of medication, she expressed concern.
“She was worried that I’d have negative thoughts — and she was right. I did.”
Fortunately, our Acute Home Based Treatment (AHBT) team was there to help. As an alternative to hospitalization, Vancouver’s AHBT team provides mental health and addiction patients in need of short-term treatment an often- welcome choice: the option of treatment at home. Launched in 2009, the Vancouver program expanded to serve the Providence catchment area last Fall.
“Clients often cross boundaries,” says Cindy Tsang, program coordinator, “so it makes a lot of sense for our team to serve more of Vancouver.”
Treatment at home benefits clients and clinicians
Vancouver’s 15-member team — including RNs, RPNs, counselors, social workers, occupational therapists and psychiatrists — treat an average of 22 to 26 clients per month. Treatments are anywhere from one to three weeks, starting with daily visits.
As a clinician, Brian Walsh, BA, RPN, says there are advantages to treating patients at home. “I generally find clients more relaxed, and the home environment can tell you a lot about how people live and how well they’re functioning,” he explains.
To qualify for AHBT, clients must be willing to actively participate in their treatment and have a safe, fixed address to call home (shelters qualify).
“Mental illness doesn’t discriminate,” says Brian. “I’ve treated patients in the downtown eastside and in some of Vancouver’s most exclusive homes.”
Number of ED visits and hospital admissions down
In addition to serving patients’ best interests, home-based treatment also frees much-needed space in our EDs and hospital units. As of the end of March 2012, the Vancouver, Richmond and Coastal AHBT teams have collectively reduced:
- ED visits by 48%
- hospital admissions by 51%
- hospitalized days by 44%
“We survey our clients, too,” says, Cindy. “Of those who’ve responded so far, all say they would recommend the program to others.”
Gabriel is no exception. “They knew what kinds of questions to ask and they took the time to listen to me. They were very helpful, and I would tell other people to take it up if it’s ever offered to them.
“Going into a facility would have felt like moving backwards,” he adds. “I want to move forward, and staying home for treatment gave me a sense of accomplishment.”
Learn more about AHBT
Visit our AHBT site to learn more about this innovative program and how it works.