The Collaborative Care Pathway (CCP-9) is a recovery orientated approach to mental health assessment, case formulation and care planning in a community mental health service. The CCP-9 has been in use for over ten years and a multi-stakeholder evaluation was timely. This study evaluates the satisfaction of service users, families/supporters and Mental Health Professionals with the operation of the CCP-9.

Surveys were circulated by post to 169 service users, 105 family members (FMs) and 33 mental health practitioners.

Response rates were 21% for service users, 24% for FMs and 39% for mental health practitioners. Approximately three-quarters of services users and FMs were satisfied with their involvement in the CCP-9 process. Two thirds of service users and three-quarters of FMs found the feedback on the case formulation and the care plan helpful. However, only a minority of both groups felt that the service user had received adequate support to prepare for discharge. Mental Health Practitioners were unanimous in recognising the CCP-9 process as important to all stakeholders, and as a useful approach to case formulation and care planning.

Those surveyed recognised the value of the collaborative approach although they did voice some key concerns. More support is required to prepare service users for discharge and to assist service users to access community supports. In addition, adequate resourcing is key to the success and feasibility of the CCP-9.