Integration of People with Mental Disorder Into Community Based Rehabilitation Model 

(A Pilot and Research Based Project Supported by Royal Netherlands Embassy, Monitored by Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and Implemented by 
Blind People's Association, Ahmedabad)

Volume-1,    Issue-4
April '06

BLIND PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION (INDIA)  
An Organization working for the development, provision of equal opportunity and access to all persons with disabilities

(This Newsletter is an  Effort to Sensitize Peer NGOs, Government Officials, Students, Educated Masses and General Community on the Issue of Mental Health)

Editorial Team

Dr. Bhushan Punani
Executive Director 

Mrs. Nandini Rawal
Project Director

Mrs. Vimal Thawani
Project Manager

Mr. Dharmendra Kumar Jena
Project Coordinator

Mr. Bharat Joshi
Asst. Project Coordinator

A. Gujarat Scene in MH Issue and Things Need to be Done?

- 2.8 million adults suffer from Psychiatric Morbidity. 
- 0.1 million with Schizophrenia. 
- 0.3 million cases with substance abuse. 
- Each there are 11,000 new cases of schizophrenia add into the burden of mental disorder. 
- 2.0 million children suffer from mental disorder. 
- Overall Psychiatric morbidity among women in range of 20%-30%.

a. Broad Principles

-To ensure availability and accessibility of minimum mental health care.
- To promote community participation in the mental health service development.
- To encourage application of mental Health knowledge in general health care and in social development. 

b. What does research suggest?

- Up to 60% of depression patients can recover and live a healthy live. 
- Substance Abuse case can be reduce by using drugs by 60%.
- Up to 73% of Epilepsy patients can live without seizures.
- Up to 77% of Schizophrenia patients can live without relapses. 

c. Strengthen the public health system 

- Increase service provision at district levels and decentralization of MH sector 
- Train PHC and CHC doctors and Para Medical staff in MH area
- NMHP- reexamine the structure and implementation strategy 
- Address Institutional Issue like- Information system (How many MH cases get reported), Autonomy of mental health facilities, Up-gradation of facilities.

d. Strengthen the role of caregivers 

- Involvement of care givers in process of diagnosis and treatment, provide general information on case handling, financial support mechanisms- to most vulnerable.
- Establishment of Day Care Centers in filed level.
- Promote and encourage  initiative which focus on rehabilitation 
- Stimulate Caregiver Organizations 
 
e. Policy Towards Private Sector 

- Public-Private Partnership (Developing Incentive Systems, Institutional Mechanism)
- Regulation and Accreditation 
- Continuing Professional Education programme 

f. Human Resources

- Forums for interaction of different MH professionals (Strengthen Multi Disciplinary Approaches) 
- Improve Work Place Environment 
- Building Research capacity 

g- Integration of Mental Health into General Health Care Management System 

- Introduce MH aspects at all levels (PHC/CHC)
- Integrating the MH in other systems of medicines and involving Indian system of medicines practitioners (Training for ISM practitioners on counseling, identification and referral).

h- Strengthening Law interface 

- Strengthen documentation to aid informed interventions 
- Make existing system of law and adjudication human rights compliant
- Legal Reforms 
- Capacity Strengthening (Police, Judiciary, Legal Services Authority)

i. Strengthening Institutional Mechanisms

- Promoting public private partnership
- Developing regulatory structures and capacities 
- Strengthening role of professional bodies 
- Development of IEC
- Strengthening the advocacy groups
- Strengthening Management Information System 

Major Assets of Blind People's Association

  •  
Navalbhai and Hiraba Eye Hospital, Bareja.
  •  
BMA-IDBI Electronics, Gandhinagar.
  •  
Kachchh Comprehensive Rehabilitation Centre (KCRC), Bhuj.
  •  
BPA- Lioness Karnavati Hostel for Disabled Women, Ahmedabad.
  •  
Land Adjoining BPA  Campus, Vastrapur.
  •  
HANDIKA-I, Ratanpole.
  •  
HANDIKA-II, Panjarapole.
  •  
C.S.Samariya Charity Shop, Vastrapur.
  •  
R.M.Parikh Educational Research Complex, Paldi.
  •  
BPA, Nadiad.
  •  

Savinaya Complex, Bavla

If you wish to contribute any article for the E-newsletter, or would like to comment   on the newsletter please do contact us at the following address. 

Contact

Blind People’s Association
Jagdish Patel Chowk, Surdas Marg,
Vastrapur, Ahmedabad
Gujarat-380015

Phone-91-79-26304070, 26305082
Email- bpaindia@satyam.net.in
                      vimal_2005@sancharnet.in

Website- www.bpaindia.org


Blind  People's Association,Jagdish Patel Chowk, Surdas Marg, Vastrapur, Ahmedabad,       Gujarat-380015


Integration of People with Mental Disorder Into Community Based Rehabilitation Model 

(A Pilot and Research Based Project Supported by Royal Netherlands Embassy, Monitored by Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and Implemented by 
Blind People's Association, Ahmedabad)

Volume-1Issue-5
May, 2006

 

BLIND PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION (INDIA)  
An Organization working for the development, provision of equal opportunity and access to all persons with disabilities

(This Newsletter is an  Effort to Sensitize Peer NGOs, Government Officials, Students, Educated Masses and General Community on the Issue of Mental Health)

Editorial Team

Dr. Bhushan Punani
Executive Director 

Mrs. Nandini Rawal
Project Director

Mrs. Vimal Thawani
Project Manager

Mr. Dharmendra Kumar Jena
Project Coordinator

Mr. Bharat Joshi
Asst. Project Coordinator

ISSUES AND  CHALLENGES IN REHABILITATION

- Rehabilitation, in its practical conception, is not only the services and techniques of functional restoration but also the organization of all the efforts of all the people involved, as well as the end result or goal of those efforts. it individual adjustment and reintegration which involves the acceptance of the programme designed to accomplish maximum restoration.  

- More acceptable definition is Rebuilding the capabilities (Physical, mental and social) to prepare patients to take their place in the community to the fullest extent compared to the level of their functioning before the onset and become an asset rather than liability. 

- It involves all professional, paraprofessional and all those who surround the patient (Family, neighbors, friends, community, NGO etc.)

- Communities must learn what they produce in the way of mental problems and waste of human opportunities and with such knowledge they will rise from mere charity and ear bending or hasty propaganda to well balanced early care, prevention and general gain of health. 

- It is an old concept. Traditionally it means restoration of what is lost and coming back to normalcy. 

- National council on rehabilitation (1943) defined it as the restoration of the handicapped to the fullest- physical, mental, social, vocational and economic usefulness of which one is capable. 

Rehabilitation- Some Facts

- Earlier it was used in the context of war disabled and now it is extended to all. 
- It is extended from the idea of isolated and fragmented service to the and continuous services. 

- A New rend in public health from curative to promotive and developmental. 

- From individualized to family centered to community participation and social action. 

Stages of Rehabilitation 

- Preparing for resettlement: Rehabilitation begins with diagnosis as treatment is initiated-general plans for future management should be discussed. 

- Bridging the Gap- as patient shows improvement, discharge is planned. support from known and trusted people both in the hospital and outside hospital is essential during the phase of bridging the gap if the experiences gained at earlier stages of the programme are to be consolidated and augmented. 

- Community support- continuing support will be necessary to maintain progress, provide help at times of crisis and prevent deterioration,. support can promote the confidence required to cope with the unexpected events of a rather unstructured existence. 

Issues

- At Discharge- Family members are blank and confused therefore acceptance of patient is poor

- They have disowned patient and it becomes burdensome and stressful
- Contact with family is minimum
focus is on symptomatic treatment and there is absence of rehabilitative counseling 
- AT INTAKE, no assessment for rehabilitation programme of patient and family is done. 
- Even if they are partially ready, they are not oriented and prepared
- Community oriented rehabilitation programmes are absent

We Need to Ask Ourselves

- Do we have distinct philosophy and policy of rehabilitation programme?
- Do we need a manual for rehabilitation?
- Can we document our experiences of rehabilitation so as to facilitate manual?
- Can infra-structure be created at state and district level? 
- Is there a scope for rehabilitation officer at hospital for mental health and medical colleges?
- How government machinery can be used for rehabilitation tasks?

Action Required to be Taken

Identify the family life, ability to work, ability to learn new information, education, ability to develop independe3nt recreational activities, interests and motivations. if you do a comprehensive assessment of these things as well as measuring the symptoms, then you can help people improve. it doesn't matter the name of the illness or where the problem comes from, rehabilitation starts with the person. it gradually teaches the person or provides the required support.  

In home and family support programme to be adopted, which would enable the patients to purchase services or items which will assist them in living independently in the community or with friends or family. the services or items must relate to the unique needs of the person. 

Psychosocial rehabilitation programs are programs in which people with severe psychiatric disorders are involved in learning how to identity and build upon strengths and abilities. this approach focuses on the remediation of disability through skills training and interventions designed to develop coping skills or modify no supportive environments. 

Family members and other carriers need to be recognized for the role they play in helping maintain a patients mental health and need to be included in the overall rehabilitation plan. it is also important that they receive education, support and training in how best to support the patient. family group therapy when available, may substantially reduce symptoms and frequency of episodes in the patient. as well as improving the mental health of the entire family.

Listen to family members and include them into he treatment team whenever appropriate and refer families to a group therapy program if available.

Areas of Inclusion

- Reception
- Intake
- Interventions
- Family Support
- Rehabilitative Counseling
- Feedback 
- Follow-up

Rehabilitation Service to Include

- Behavior Therapy
- Education about the illness and how to cope with symptoms and the effects of disability
- Family Therapy
- Support for care-givers
- Psychosocial Rehabilitation
- Accommodation and employment support
- Skills Development
- Link into Community resources
- Help to learn how best to manage and come to terms with the illness
- Efficient coordination of committed teams]
- General practitioner to playa crucial role in promoting psychosocial rehabilitation
- Training centres, employment programs, volunteer options and local clubs should all be part of the life plan, so that support services are seen clearly to assist people to reintegrate into society rather than act as a substitute for it.
- Encourage realistic consideration of work and practical steps in preparation for reintegration, such as enrolment at a day programme.
- Any Meaningful occupation such as volunteer work, can give people a social role, as well an opportunity to engage with the community and prepare for the challenges of entering the paid workforce. 

Prof. (Dr) Aruna Khasgiwala
Prof (Dr) M.D.Vyas

Major Assets of Blind People's Association

  •  
Navalbhai and Hiraba Eye Hospital, Bareja.
  •  
BMA-IDBI Electronics, Gandhinagar.
  •  
Kachchh Comprehensive Rehabilitation Centre (KCRC), Bhuj.
  •  
BPA- Lioness Karnavati Hostel for Disabled Women, Ahmedabad.
  •  
Land Adjoining BPA  Campus, Vastrapur.
  •  
HANDIKA-I, Ratanpole.
  •  
HANDIKA-II, Panjarapole.
  •  
C.S.Samariya Charity Shop, Vastrapur.
  •  
R.M.Parikh Educational Research Complex, Paldi.
  •  
BPA, Nadiad.
  •  

Savinaya Complex, Bavla

Success Story

Background

Mr. Firojbhai Pathan, Age- 30 years of  village Jalalpor of Navsari District was  working in a Diamond company. He had a very happy marriage life with his wife and 4 children. No one from his family members has been reported mentally ill. Gradually Mr. Firojbhai develop propensity of Hallucination, preferred to stay in loneliness, willingness in staying at home and less interactions with others. His behavior was changed and started to cry without any reasons and suicidal thoughts also disturbed him very much. He has been diagnosed as schizophrenic patients with 40% Psychiatric disability in the medical camp organized by Blind People's Association. One of the major cause of his diseases identified by the psychiatric team was regular consumption of alcohol and which leads to  de-addiction situation and gradually became a victim of Schizophrenic patient.   

Step by step Intervention

The Blind People's Association initiated the project (Integration of People with Mental Disorder into CBR Model) activities in Navsari on January 2004 and National Association for the Blind (Navasari Branch) has been appointed as the implementing agency for the specified area (Jolalpur Block). 

After the field staffs gone through rigorous one month training in identification of people with mental disorder Mr. Firozbhai has been identified by the field worker as Mentally ill patient during the door-to-door survey. 

The field workers informed his family members that he is a psychiatric patient and need treatment to come back his previous condition and informed them to bring him to the medical camp to be organized on 29th June 2004 in Jalalor. 

His family members brought him to the camp and he has been provided with medical/counseling services and also provided disability certificate.

After the first time medical and counseling service, the fieldworkers visit his home regularly and do medical follow up with observation. Counseling services has been provided to Mr. Firojbhai as well his family members regularly.

The regular medication improves his daily living skill and raise new hope in life to live as normal as past and showed his willingness to join his previous job. Fieldworkers trained him in daily living activities and do more counseling on de addiction. Gradually he involved him in house hold activities also. 

Now again Mr. Firozbhai join the same Diamond Industry in Jalapor and earns 4000/- per month. His family members, neighbors and general community are very happy to see him into previous situation and being well accepted by all.   

If you wish to contribute any article for the E-newsletter, or would like to comment   on the newsletter please do contact us at the following address. 

Contact

Blind People’s Association
Jagdish Patel Chowk, Surdas Marg,
Vastrapur, Ahmedabad
Gujarat-380015

Phone-91-79-26304070, 26305082
Email- bpaindia@satyam.net.in
                      vimal_2005@sancharnet.in

Website- www.bpaindia.org

Blind  People's Association,Jagdish Patel Chowk, Surdas Marg, Vastrapur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat-380015


Integration of People with Mental Disorder Into Community Based Rehabilitation Model 

(A Pilot and Research Based Project Supported by Royal Netherlands Embassy, Monitored by Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and Implemented by 
Blind People's Association, Ahmedabad)

Volume-1Issue-6
June, 2006
 

BLIND PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION (INDIA)  
An Organization working for the development, provision of equal opportunity and access to all persons with disabilities

(This Newsletter is an  Effort to Sensitize Peer NGOs, Government Officials, Students, Educated Masses and General Community on the Issue of Mental Health)

Editorial Team

Dr. Bhushan Punani
Executive Director 

Mrs. Nandini Rawal
Project Director

Mrs. Vimal Thawani
Project Manager

Mr. Dharmendra Kumar Jena
Project Coordinator

Mr. Bharat Joshi
Asst. Project Coordinator

IDEAS

(INDIAN DISABILITY AND ASSESSMENT SCALE)

A scale for measuring and quantifying disability in mental disorders

The Persons with disability act 1995 includes mental illness as disability. The persons with mental illness are eligible to avail all the benefits under the persons with disability act 1995. The disabled people need disability certificate showing more than 40% disability from the competent authority to avail the benefits. The disability act covers seven disabilities

  1. Blind 
  2. Low vision
  3. Deaf and Dumb
  4. Leprosy cured
  5. Mentally retarded
  6. Orthopedic handicap
  7. Mental illness 

The assessment tools have already been existed for the visually impaired, hearing impaired and orthopedic handicap and persons with mental retardation. These people are certified by the authentic body and become eligible by having disability certificates to avail the benefits under the PWD Act 1995. But there was no assessment tools for the certification of mentally ill people and yet these people are not availed any benefits even as disabled. Looking that perspective and to justify these people rehabilitation committee of Indian Psychiatric Society has developed the assessment tool for disability certification in 2002.  This tool is known as Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale in short IDEAS. This IDEA has opened new horizon for mentally ill people. This committee has developed clear guideline to make use of it very easy.

 General Guidelines:

Ø      IDEAS are suited best for the purpose of measuring and certifying Disability.

Ø      It is therefore a brief and simple instrument, which can be used, even in busy clinical settings.

Ø      Some training is required in the use of IDEAS.

Ø      This is to be used only on out patients and those living in the community. Not appropriate for in- patients.

Ø      Rating should be done only based on interviews of the Primary Care Givers. Case records and patients interviews can be used to supplement information.

Ø      Only in rare instances when no primary care giver is available should be the rating is based only on patient interview. This should then be documented.

Ø      The gender specification “he” has been used for convenience and refers to both genders.

Ø      Probe questions help to guide one through the interview and to help identify dysfunction in one or more activities. Diagnostic Categories:

Patients with only the following diagnosis as per ICD or DSM criteria are eligible for disability benefits:

Ø      Schizophrenia 

Ø      Bipolar Disorder

Ø      Dementia

Ø      Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

 Duration of illness: the total duration of illness should be least two years. For the purpose of scoring, the number of months the patients was symptomatic in the last two years (MI 2Y –months of illness in the last two years) should be determined. 

Who does the assessment?

Only the Psychiatrist can do diagnosis and certification. Trained social workers, psychologist, or occupational therapists can do administration of IDEAS

 Frequency of Re-certification

Psychiatric Disability will be reassessed every two years and re-certified. The feasibility of doing this in the rural areas will however have to be examined.

 Items:

I.        Self care : Includes taking care of body hygiene, grooming, health including bathing, toileting, eating and taking care of one’s health.

II.      Interpersonal Activities ( Social Relationship) : Includes  initiating and maintaining interactions with others in a contextual and socially appropriate manner.

III.     Communication and Understanding : Includes communication and conversation with others by producing and comprehending spoken/ written/ nonverbal messages.

IV.     Work: Three areas are Employment/ House work/ Education measures any one aspect.

1.      Performing in Work/ Job : Performing in work / employment (paid) employment /self employment family concern or otherwise. Measures ability to perform tasks at employment completely and efficiently and in proper time. Includes seeking employment.

2.      Performing in Housework: Maintaining household including cooking, caring for other people at home, taking care of belongings etc. Measures ability to take responsibility for and perform household tasks completely and efficiently and in proper time.

3.      Performing in school/ college: measures performance in education related tasks.

Scores for Each Item:

0 – No Disability

1 – Mild Disability

2 – Moderate Disability

3 – Serve Disability

4 – Profound Disability

Total Score (range 0-20)

Add scores of the 4 items and obtain total score

MI 2y months of illness in the last two years. Interview with informant and case notes if available should be used to determine for how many months in the last two years the patients exhibited symptoms(range 1-4)

 MI 2 Years    < 6 months: score to be added is 1

7-12 months: add 2 

 13-18 months : add 3

> 18 months : add 4 

Global Disability

Total disability score + MI 2Y score =  Global Disability Score (range 1-20)

Percentage:

For the purpose of welfare benefits, 40% will be cut off point. The scores above 40% have been categorized as Moderate, Severe, and profound based on the Global disability score. This grading will be used to measures change overtime

 Score of 0- No disability = 0%

               1-7 – Mild Disability = <40%

                8 and above = > 40%

(8-13 moderate disability; 14-19 Severe Disability; 20 Profound Disability)    

 

Major Assets of Blind People's Association

  •  
Navalbhai and Hiraba Eye Hospital, Bareja.
  •  
BMA-IDBI Electronics, Gandhinagar.
  •  
Kachchh Comprehensive Rehabilitation Centre (KCRC), Bhuj.
  •  
BPA- Lioness Karnavati Hostel for Disabled Women, Ahmedabad.
  •  
Land Adjoining BPA  Campus, Vastrapur.
  •  
HANDIKA-I, Ratanpole.
  •  
HANDIKA-II, Panjarapole.
  •  
C.S.Samariya Charity Shop, Vastrapur.
  •  
R.M.Parikh Educational Research Complex, Paldi.
  •  
BPA, Nadiad.
  •  

Savinaya Complex, Bavla

Success Story

Background

Mr. Jasubhai Zhala 30years old a resident of Sunda village of Kapadwanj block lives in joint family structure consisting of 7 members. He has been suffering from schizophrenia since last 8 years. His family is engaged in agricultural and animal husbandry activities. He was brilliant student during his school time and only a person in his family who has completed education upto std 12th.  As his family was dependant on him, He had joined one factory in Vatva GIDC in Ahmedabad after passing out std 12th.

He supported his family for marriages of his two sisters. He had good and happy marriage life having three children. He was very happy in his family as well as in his work. Initially He had joined factory as unskilled worker and then promoted as skilled worker. His name was recommended as supervisor because of his accuracy and brilliancy in his work. But some how he was not selected as supervisor and this was the unpleasant incident for him, which led him to schizophrenia. After that unpleasant incident he had stop to interact with any one. He was keeping himself locked in a room for one year. During his illness his self-care was totally impaired, communication was also impaired and he had avoided to meet anyone and kept himself locked in open home for last 8 years.

 His family members were worried about his behavior and came to conclusion that the devil spirits has totally controlled on his behavior. They had taken him to more than 10 traditional healers and expenses incurred more than Rs. 50,000.

Step by step Intervention

The Blind People's Association initiated the project (Integration of People with Mental Disorder into CBR Model) activities in Kapadwanj Block on January 2004 and V.S.Gandhi Charitable Trust, Kapadwanj has been appointed as the implementing agency for the specified area (Kapadwanj Block). 

After the field staffs gone through rigorous one month training in identification of people with mental disorder Mr. Jasubhai has been identified by the field worker as Mentally ill patient during the door-to-door survey. 

The field workers informed his family members that he is a psychiatric patient and need treatment to come back his previous condition and informed them to bring him to the medical camp to be organized on 30th July 2004 in Kapadwanj. 

 

His family members brought him to the camp and he has been provided with medical/counseling services and also provided disability certificate.

After the first time medical and counseling service, the fieldworkers visit his home regularly and do medical follow up with observation. Counseling services has been provided to Mr. Jasubhai as well his family members regularly.

The regular medication improves his daily living skill and raise new hope in life to live as normal as past and showed his willingness to start new venture. Fieldworkers trained him in daily living activities and do more counseling. Gradually he involved him in house hold activities also. 

Now again Mr. Jasubhai has started his new Stationary shop in his village and earns  700/- per month. His family members, neighbors and general community are very happy to see him into previous situation and being well accepted by all. 

If you wish to contribute any article for the E-newsletter, or would like to comment   on the newsletter please do contact us at the following address. 

Contact

Blind People’s Association
Jagdish Patel Chowk, Surdas Marg,
Vastrapur, Ahmedabad
Gujarat-380015

Phone-91-79-26304070, 26305082
Email- bpaindia@satyam.net.in
                      vimal_2005@sancharnet.in
Website- www.bpaindia.org

Blind  People's Association,Jagdish Patel Chowk, Surdas Marg, Vastrapur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat-380015