The care programme approach: a nursing perspective.

The care programme approach is part of a large body of political guidance relating to the Government's policy of caring for mentally ill patients in the community. This policy has been in operation for over three decades and still remains controversial. Recent media attention has focused on mental health care in a far from positive manner, and evidence suggests that the care programme approach has not proved a total success (Hogman, 1992; Huxley, 1993; North et al, 1993; Social Services Inspectorate, 1995). Despite this it remains the foundation on which a series of policy directives have been based over the last 5 years, and it is difficult to disagree with the fundamental philosophy, which reflects the basic principles underpinning the delivery of effective mental health care in the community. There are clear implications for psychiatric nurses, and this article outlines the crucial role that nurses working in both hospital and community settings have to play in the clinical application of the care programme approach.