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International Journal of Mental Health Systems
Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Commentary

Mental health services conceptualised as complex adaptive systems: what can be learned?

Authors: Louise A. Ellis, Kate Churruca, Jeffrey Braithwaite

Published in: International Journal of Mental Health Systems | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Despite many attempts at promoting systems integration, seamless care, and partnerships among service providers and users, mental health services internationally continue to be fragmented and piecemeal. We exploit recent ideas from complexity science to conceptualise mental health services as complex adaptive systems (CASs). The core features of CASs are described and Australia’s headspace initiative is used as an example of the kinds of problems currently being faced. We argue that adopting a CAS lens can transform services, creating more connected care for service users with mental health conditions.
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Metadata
Title
Mental health services conceptualised as complex adaptive systems: what can be learned?
Authors
Louise A. Ellis
Kate Churruca
Jeffrey Braithwaite
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
International Journal of Mental Health Systems / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1752-4458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13033-017-0150-6

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