Table 1.

Potential Incorporation of Guided Care Into Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Nursing

Guided Care Processes	ACT Nursing Correlate
Assessing the patient at home6	ACT standards dictate that 80% of services are delivered in the field
Creating an evidence-based Care Guide and patient-friendly Action Plan	Client goal planning is integral to ACT services and strives to adapt evidence-based practice to consumer preference
Promoting patient self-management	Incorporation of mental health “Illness Recovery Management” programs
Monitoring the patient’s conditions monthly	ACT standards stipulate a minimum of two times per month consumer monitoring
Coordinating efforts of all health care providers	ACT nurses are the key link in behavioral and physical health coordination
Smoothing transitions between sites of care	ACT services in the field include visits to hospitals and other care facilities
Assessing, educating, and supporting the caregiver	ACT nurses are the main health education resource for the ACT team
Facilitating access to community resources	Community integration is a core value of ACT services