A period of care provided as part of the Care Programme Approach for an adult (including elderly) PATIENT. The CARE PROGRAMME APPROACH EPISODE forms part of a MENTAL HEALTH CARE SPELL.

The first CARE PROGRAMME APPROACH EPISODE starts when the MENTAL HEALTH CARE SPELL initial assessment of the PATIENT determines that a plan of care or treatment is required which will be delivered under the Care Programme Approach.

The CARE PROGRAMME APPROACH EPISODE ends when one of the following occurs:

-	a review determines that no further care need be provided
-	a different level of Care Programme Approach is required
-	a PATIENT transfers to another HEALTH CARE PROVIDER with main responsibility for provision of mental health care also being transferred
-	death of the PATIENT

A Care Programme Approach must involve all of the following key elements:

a.	An assessment of the PATIENT's health and social care needs
b.	A written care plan to meet the assessed needs, the PATIENT being involved in drawing up the care plan
c.	Regular reviews of the PATIENT's care plan
d.	A named mental health worker, called a care coordinator, who is responsible for the PATIENT care under the Care Programme Approach

There are two levels of Care Programme Approach; standard and enhanced.

References:
HC(90)23, LSSL(90)11 'Caring for People', The Care Programme Approach for People with Mental illness referred to the Specialist Psychiatric Services. (Renewed September 1995)
The Health of the Nation Key Area Handbook: Mental Illness, 2nd Edition, HMSO 1994, Appendix 9.3
H51/011 1406 1P January 97 The Patient's Charter - Mental Health Services
"Effective Care Co-ordination in Mental Health Services", Modernising the Care Programme Approach, a Policy Booklet, catalogue number 16736, October 1999.

This class is also known by these names:

Context	Alias
plural	CARE PROGRAMME APPROACH EPISODES