Evaluation of mental health programmes is a neglected area in New Zealand. This paper describes a community-oriented, experimental programme designed to provide a model for evaluation in the context of an inpatient psychiatric unit. Its primary objective is to improve patient care. This is achieved by emphasizing real-life needs, and dealing with these by a series of clearly specified steps involving goal-setting. Community resources, especially volunteers, are used. A variety of evaluative data are produced and the overall result is a “self-correcting” programme which is appreciated both by patients and staff.
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