Use of homework by mental health case managers in the rehabilitation of persistent and recurring psychiatric disability

Background: Homework refers to between-session activities that are tied to therapeutic goals. Homework has been suggested as being an important clinical adjunct to case management practices, however, to date, research has not examined case managers’ use of homework. Aims: To identify the degree that case managers use homework within their clinical practice and explore the way it is administered with people diagnosed with a persistent and recurring psychiatric illness. Method: A survey was completed by 122 case managers (63% of those approached) comprising nurses, psychologists, social workers, occupational therapists and welfare/support workers. Results: Ninety-three percent of case managers implement homework, but only 15% regularly use a systematic approach to homework administration. Seventy-six percent of case managers reported people in recovery had a positive attitude towards the use of homework, yet 72% felt that homework completed was of a low quality. Conclusions: Suggestions are made for improving the systematic use of homework by case managers. Declaration of interest: The study was supported by a grant from the National Health Medical Research Council (NHMRC, #219327), through the Health Partnership Grant Scheme.