A qualitative study of how people with severe mental illness experience living in sheltered housing with a private fully equipped apartment

BACKGROUND: There are a number of supported housing options for people with severe mental illness (SMI), but limited knowledge about residents’ experiences. The aim of this study was to explore how people with SMI experienced sheltered housing consisting of both a private fully equipped apartment and a shared accommodation room for socializing. METHODS: Fourteen people with SMI living in sheltered housing apartments participated in a qualitative study with semi-structured face to face individual or group interviews. RESULTS: Residents’ access to the service providers in the sheltered housing, who were seen as both “ordinary people” and skilled to observe symptom changes at an early stage, were major factors for the perception of security. In addition, residents highlighted the possibility of living in a fully equipped apartment, and having access to a shared accommodation room to connect with other residents. Having a fully equipped apartment including their own equipment such as a washing machine was said to help reduce conflicts. Short tenancy agreements made some informants feel insecure. It was also essential to have meaningful daily activities outside the residence to avoid re-hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: The positive experience was connected to having a fully private equipped apartment including shared accommodation room. The service providers should be aware of the dilemma with in-house support, to make residents feel secure versus increased dependency on service providers. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12888-016-0888-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

Developing a Maturity Model for the Compliance Function of Investment Firms: A Preliminary Case Study from Norway

This paper develops a model for the assessment of the maturity of the compliance function of investment firms. The model indicates a path of evolution wherein the compliance function matures from being reactive and inconsistent to becoming a proactive and integrated part of a firm’s business practices. A preliminary case study approach is used to test the practical application of the model in a Norwegian investment firm. The findings generally illustrate the ways in which the effectiveness of the compliance function can be evaluated using a maturity model. When it was used in the assessment of the compliance function within the case firm, the suggested model proved to be compatible with practice. The model represents an improvement framework that can help practitioners identify the status of the compliance function and provide guidance on its future improvement

Developing a Maturity Model for the Compliance Function of Investment Firms: A Preliminary Case Study from Norway

This paper develops a model for the assessment of the maturity of the compliance function of investment firms. The model indicates a path of evolution wherein the compliance function matures from being reactive and inconsistent to becoming a proactive and integrated part of a firm’s business practices. A preliminary case study approach is used to test the practical application of the model in a Norwegian investment firm. The findings generally illustrate the ways in which the effectiveness of the compliance function can be evaluated using a maturity model. When it was used in the assessment of the compliance function within the case firm, the suggested model proved to be compatible with practice. The model represents an improvement framework that can help practitioners identify the status of the compliance function and provide guidance on its future improvement

More than just a bed: Mental health service users' experiences of self-referral admission

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Twelve months effect of self-referral to inpatient treatment on patient activation, recovery, symptoms and functioning: A randomized controlled study

Objective To investigate the effect of having a contract for self-referral to inpatient treatment (SRIT) in patients with severe mental disorders. Methods A randomized controlled trial with 53 adult patients; 26 participants received a SRIT contract, which they could use to refer themselves into a Community Mental Health Centre up to five days for each referral without contacting a doctor in advance. Outcomes were assessed after 12 months with the self-report questionnaires Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13), Recovery Assessment Scale (RAS), and the Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale (BASIS-32) and analyzed using linear mixed and regression models. Results There was no significant effect on PAM-13 (estimated mean difference (emd) −0.41, 95% CI (CI):-7.49–6.67), nor on the RAS (emd 0.02, CI:-0.27–0.31) or BASIS-32 (0.09, CI:-0.28–0.45). An exploratory post hoc analysis showed effect of SRIT in those with low PAM below ≤47 (p = 0.049). Conclusion There were no group differences after 12 months, but both groups maintained their baseline levels. Practice implications SRIT contracts can be recommended as it supports the rights to self-determination, promote user participation in decision-making in own treatment without any indication of adverse effects