Boylan Ward Model of InterventionThe model of intervention used within Boylan Ward consists of three phases:
During the period of assessment the patient and treating team work togetherto identify goals for treatment. The development of the therapeutic relationship assists in this process.
Assessment proceeds on a continuum. Self assessment, self report, clinical observation and standardised assessments may be used to determine current levels of functioning. Understanding the individuals functioning in the wider family and social systems is crucial to the assessment process,hence assessment also includes information gathering from an individual's wider family and social environment. It is important to determine the degree to which a young person's development has been interrupted due to the illness.
Treatment Planning and ImplementationTreatment is a graded process which begins with simple goals and moves toward more complex goals. Simple goals such as gaining mastery over the immediate environment are achievedby establishing meaningful and therapeutic relationships with the treating team and by engaging in basic self care tasks andactivities which promote maintenance of existing skills. Once these simple goals are achieved, individuals are encouraged to participate more actively in making decisions about future treatment options.
As individuals become actively engaged in the treatment process, recovery and development of skills begin to be addressed morespecifically. At that point goals will be negotiated collaboratively with the treating team. This is accomplished by engagement in daily living skills and participation in groupactivities, while greater re-engagement within their wider environmental and social systems is fostered.Individuals then proceed along the continuum of care. The treating team may change in the support and follow up phase.
At an appropriate point in the treatment planning and implementation phase, patients are discharged from hospital care and return to their home environment. Boylan Ward staff are actively engaged in facilitating this process of transition, and to this end, they often engage the services of the Hospital to Home Transition Team.
During their hospital stay, medical staff oversee the case management process forpatients. Other relevant staff, including the Hospital to Home Transition Team and other CAMHS case workers are included in the care planthrough ward rounds and case discussions. Referral processes are also facilitated through the work of the designated 'mental health link nurse' and Youth Health Links Liaison Officer.
As the young people move closer to discharge, the case management function maypass to the Hospital to Home Transition Team or handed back to the primary worker in the community agency.
Support and Follow-upAs individuals gain increased competence and confidence within their environment the need for ongoing involvement with Boylan Ward diminishes.Ceasing to be involved with Boylan Staff is generally a joint decision between the young person, the family and the staff involved and may be negotiated at any phase.
last modified: 24 Mar 2016