Creative ways of embedding 5P formulation in community treatment teams: The role of the assistant psychologist

Abstract

Formulation can be a helpful way of developing a shared understanding of a person’s needs and strengths. Formulation has been linked with a better care experience and better treatment outcomes. However, there can be challenges in developing and sharing formulations within busy community treatment teams (CTTs). An older adult CTT trialled the use of an assistant psychologist (AP) to create and oversee a formulation referral process, and to facilitate and embed formulation sessions using the 5Ps model. The current study investigates clinicians’ perspectives on the acceptability and effectiveness of using the 5Ps model, and the utilisation of an AP to organise, facilitate and document formulation sessions.