Integrated care pathways and the mental health modernisation agenda

This chapter identifies the policy context within which integrated care pathways are located in contemporary mental health services. Initially, the major policy developments leading to the current operational structure of the mental health services in the United Kingdom is outlined. The move from institutional centred care to community based care, together with the shift in financial power is considered, and the position of integrated care pathways to clarify these processes is introduced. The chapter progresses to discuss how, within this environment, quality is addressed and the contribution of integrated care pathways to set and monitor quality standards as an integral component of governance is examined.