Table 1 Differences between ACTE and CAU

A shared caseload (all care providers know all the patients and work together in the treatment).

Individual care providers responsible for patient assessment and for coordination and treatment.

Individual care providers responsible for patient assessment and for coordination and treatment.

A low caseload (a maximum of ten patients in the team per individual care provider).

A high caseload for the individual practitioner (> 20).

A high caseload for the individual practitioner (> 20).

The care provider takes the initiative on maintaining contacts, and visits patients mainly in their own environment, wherever they are (also when they are hospitalized), the intention being to prevent dropout.

In general, whether contact takes place in the office or at home, involvement ceases (temporarily) after admission has taken place, or if the patient refuses to maintain (long-term) contact. (Normally, there is no contact when the patient is hospitalized.). If patient refuses contact or fails to show up, discharge usually follows.

In general, whether contact takes place in the office or at home, involvement ceases (temporarily) after admission has taken place, or if the patient refuses to maintain (long-term) contact. (Normally, there is no contact when the patient is hospitalized.). If patient refuses contact or fails to show up, discharge usually follows.

Unlimited investment in terms of time (high contact frequency).

Limited contacts, frequency as low as possible.

Limited contacts, frequency as low as possible.

All aid is offered though the ACT team (psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation, assistance with addiction, financial problems, and somatic care).

Only psychiatric care is provided. Addiction, financial problems and other problems are treated by other services.

Only psycho geriatric care is provided. Addiction, financial problems and other problems are treated by other services.

Disciplines:

Doctor of Medicine or nursing-home doctor (especially for somatic problems) or visiting geriatrist Social worker Psychiatrist Psychologist Community Mental Health Nurse Rehabilitation worker Somatic nurse, Mental Health nurse Homecare worker One of above discipline is specialized in addiction (or double diagnosis)

Disciplines:

Doctor of Medicine or nursing home doctor Psychiatrist Psychologist, Community Mental Health Nurse

Disciplines:

Doctor of Medicine or nursing home doctor or visiting geriatrist Psychologist, Community Mental Health Nurse

Each morning there will be a team meeting on all patients in which any necessary appointments are made

Patients are discussed in patient meetings once every six months. Difficult cases are discussed during weekly team meetings.

Patients are discussed in patient meetings once every six months. Difficult cases are discussed during weekly team meetings.

Staff will receive training in ACT methodology

No specific staff training.

No specific staff training.