Complex needs assessment panel and integrated support: Description and initial evaluation

Consumers with co-occuring mental health, substance use and physical impairments present with a wide array of needs that cannot be addressed by one sole agency. The Complex Needs Assessment Panel and Integrated Support (CNAPIS) was developed to coordinate care and service delivery for young adults with co-occuring disorders. Utilising a multi-method evaluation approach, consumer interviews and file reviews were completed appraising the service's effectiveness. Results from the initial evaluation are encouraging regarding meeting the programme's objectives, including improving the quality and availability of support, coordinating care, service integration, flexibility in service delivery and responding to consumer's needs. Further evaluation is required to determine the longer term benefits of such programmes.