The cost of MOST

<p>A variety of policy and practice initiatives designed to shift the locus of mental health care have been launched. Concern about the economic costs of these initiatives has generated much discussion. This paper reports specific cost findings from an evaluation of one initiative: the Maudsley Outreach Support and Treatment Team. The costs study found that the average costs of community care for the MOST study members were £423 per week. These comprehensive costs cover all elements of clients' care packages. Accommodation and hospital services absorbed 63 per cent of total costs. MOST services accounted for approximately 27 per cent of total costs with staff spending, on average, an hour a week with clients - a continuity of care which their clients had not previously received. A range of support activities was undertaken by MOST staff, providing a considerably enhanced community psychiatric nursing service.