Care planning and co-ordination: imperfect solutions in a complex world

Care planning and co-ordination are central to the delivery of comprehensive mental health care especially where individuals have complex health and social care needs. Although the terms are often used together they clearly imply different sets of processes, practices and ultimately experiences for individuals using and working in services. Care planning involves professionals (nurses, doctors, social workers and others) and the person needing care collaborating on goals, making shared written records and agreeing when to review progress