A literature review of service models and evidence relating to community-based supported accommodation services for adults with severe mental health problems in the UK

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective Mental health supported accommodation services are uniquely placed to help maximise patient autonomy and empowerment, facilitate social and community integration, and promote recovery. These services, however, remain under researched and service users still report unmet needs concerning health, work, social relations, and daily activities. Methods This literature review aimed to identify and evaluate studies focusing on dimensions of recovery within UK supported accommodation services for people with severe and persisting mental health problems. Seventeen studies were included in this review reporting on a total of 3,734 service users living in various supported accommodation settings. Results Overall, the nature and the extent of support provided by services varied considerably. Some studies indicated that the quality of care provided by services was associated with improvements in service users’ recovery, autonomy, and experiences of care, but the level or intensity of support was not associated. Conclusions Findings were not consistent and, overall, methodological differences across studies failed to provide strong supporting evidence. This highlights an ongoing challenge within supported accommodation environments, of ensuring a balance between their function to provide a place where people feel safe and supported, alongside being a recovery focused and enabling environment.