Project Summary

Arthur Westover, M.D. (Young Investigator 2006) of University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas , will study the effectiveness of a Texas-based managed care program in the provision of public mental health services. The program, called NorthSTAR, was introduced in seven counties, and began accepting patients in 1999. Its unique features include separation of authorization and provider functions, integration of mental health and substance-abuse services, and blended state and local funding. One peer-reviewed study of NorthSTAR demonstrated at five weeks a slightly decreased rate of psychiatric emergency services recidivism since its inception. However, data were obtained from only one hospital. In light of the trend towards a managed care structure for public mental-health services, further outcome analyses of the NorthSTAR program are warranted. The study will compare outcomes between patients seen in 2004 at two adjoining regional systems--NorthSTAR (managed care) and a traditional care facility. Both facilities are in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.

Program Area: MULTIPLE FOCUS\Mood Disorders/Schizophrenia

Search Again