The primary goal of care that is reflected in the patient's mental health treatment plan.

It reflects a prospective assessment of the primary goal of care at the time of collection, rather than a retrospective assessment.

CODE 1   Acute

The primary goal of care is the short term reduction in severity of symptoms and/or personal distress associated with the recent onset or exacerbation of a psychiatric disorder.

CODE 2   Functional gain

The primary goal of care is to improve personal, social or occupational functioning or promote psychosocial adaptation in a patient with impairment arising from a psychiatric disorder.

CODE 3   Intensive extended

The primary goal of care is prevention or minimisation of further deterioration, and reduction of risk of harm in a patient who has a stable pattern of severe symptoms, frequent relapses or severe inability to function independently and is judged to require care over an indefinite period.

CODE 4   Consolidating gain

The primary goal of care is to maintain the level of functioning, or improving functioning during a period of recovery, minimise deterioration or prevent relapse where the patient has stabilised and functions relatively independently. Consolidating gain may also be known as maintenance.

CODE 5   Assessment only

The primary goal of care is to obtain information, including collateral information where possible, in order to determine the intervention/treatment needs and to arrange for this to occur (includes brief history, risk assessment, referral to treating team or other service).

CODE 9    Not stated/inadequately described

This code is not for use in primary data collections.

Independent Hospital Pricing Authority 2016. Mental Health Phase of Care Guide. Independent Hospital Pricing Authority, Sydney. Viewed 7 September 2016,

https://www.ihpa.gov.au/publications/mental-health-phase-care-guide