The Center will undertake research directed at identifying and evaluating innovative financing and organizational approaches to the care of the SMI. Priority will be given to those options expected to have substantial impact on functional status and quality of life for the SMI, as well as those expected to improve the efficiency of the care system. Core funding will be directed toward developmental and pilot studies that are expected to lead to major research an demonstration initiatives for which new sources of funding will be sought. Specific research aims of the Center are directed at three policy relevant areas: (a) Assess the costs and effectiveness of alternative treatment approaches for the SMI which are based on treatment models with established efficacy or accepted practice, and develop, refine and test appropriateness criteria for matching SMI patient needs and services. (b) Examine the role of financing mechanisms as a means to encourage efficiency, assure access to appropriate care for the SMI and provide incentives for enhancing patient outcome status, including dimensions of mental status, physical status, adequacy of living arrangements and quality of life. (c) Examine alternative organizational and system approaches for managing resources and coordinating services to the SMI and evaluate their impact on utilization, costs and outcomes of care; services include mental health, rehabilitation, housing, and general medical care, and resources include income support and payment for treatment and related services. The Center will consist of closely coordinated working groups with developmental and research responsibilities related to (a) systems and resources, (b) classification, measurement and methods. Center staff will be interdisciplinary and represent a collaborative effort of several departments in the School of Hygiene and Public Health and School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University and the Mental Health Policy Studies Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland.
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