15/12/08
NEW IMS MAXIMS SOFTWARE TO HELP PROVIDE ‘THERAPY FOR ALL

A new, revolutionary system for improving access to psychological therapies using innovative software developed by IMS MAXIMS for Turning Point, the UK’s leading social care organisation, has gone live across Kingston PCT. It follows a Government funding commitment for a programme called ‘improving access to psychological therapies’. (IAPT)

This flagship project, takes a ‘holistic approach’ to individuals experiencing common mental illness.   Once referred, individuals will be contacted by one of Turning Point’s Wellbeing Co-ordinators who undertake a comprehensive assessment by phone and ensure the relevant support is provided, from social care, to assistance with employment, debt or housing, alongside relevant therapy.

Turning Point is working in partnership with St George’s and South West London Mental Health Trust who provide more intensive psychological therapy and supervision for individuals as required and with Kingston Borough Council who are providing specialist support around employment and work related needs.

This approach is made possible because of the MAXIMS Mental Health Assessment Module, which has been branded Rightsteps.  Crucially, it can be accessed from any connected computer which meets IAPT standards. The software records the entire patient journey from referral to discharge on a single, electronic patient record.  The Rightsteps Assessment and Case Management Tool allows Wellbeing Co-ordinators to undertake a 360 degree holistic assessment working on risk and need and not diagnosis. 

Sue Harris, Turning Point’s Assistant Director of Strategic Development, says
“This computer tool is the thread which keeps this new service together. It’s vital that people with mental health problems get the right help as soon as possible. Our Wellbeing Co-ordinators will stay with an individual right the way through their journey, ensuring that the right type of support is given at the right time, as quickly as possible.”

The tool also allows the end user to capture important clinical information from clinicians, counsellors, social care workers, placing patients on work lists, for the management of case loads, as well as encouraging the workflow through the IAPT service, ensuring the patient is on the most appropriate care pathway. MAXIMS and Turning Point will report on the clinical outcomes as well as providing a summary assessment document to be sent back to the referring GP.

IMS expertise in Mental Health also includes MAXIMS Mental Health Electronic Health Record system in Cornwall which gives care workers, instant access to core patient information, wherever they are, providing a truly county-wide patient record.  This combined project between Acute, Community, GPs, Social Services and the Health Authority provides Pan Community systems for - Cardiology, Diabetes, Therapies and Mental Health plus many other specialty-specific modules.

Claire Harrison at Vision MPR email: claire@visionmpr.com or call 01242 770199
Steve Palmer at Turning Point steve.palmer@turning-point.co.uk
or call 020 7481 7630

IMS MAXIMS
IMS specialises in developing clinical and administrative software solutions for the UK and Irish healthcare markets. The company has offices in Woburn Sands, UK and in Dublin, Ireland, and currently supports more than 100 organisations and 10,000 users of IMS products.

The Maxims suite of software is the culmination of 22 years of research and development, delivering real cutting edge functionality and technology for today’s healthcare delivery professionals.

TURNING POINT

• Turning Point is working in partnership with St George’s and South West London Mental Health Trust who provide more intensive psychological therapy and supervision for individuals as required and with Kingston Borough Council who are providing specialist support around employment and work related needs.
• The NHS website for Improving Access to Psychological Therapy is here http://www.iapt.nhs.uk/ 
• The Government will invest £33 million for 2008/9, a further £70 million for 2009/10, plus a further £70 million in 2010/2011. A total figure of £173m.
• More key points about IAPT can be found at http://www.iapt.nhs.uk/about/ 
• Turning Point’s method of delivery for IAPT is called Rightsteps http://www.turning-point.co.uk/servicesites/rightsteps
• Turning Point is the UK’s leading social care organisation: Turning Point provides services for people with complex needs, including those affected by drug and alcohol misuse, mental health problems or those with a learning disability. Turning Point provides services in around 200 locations in England and Wales.

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