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An integrated care pathway for people diagnosed with schizophrenia has been developed through a partnership between Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores), Scarborough Health Network (SHN), Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Toronto, and Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Durham. This integrated care pathway follows best practices and standards to ensure that individuals participating receive the highest level of care regardless of where they are in their recovery journey.

The initiative started in the fall of 2022 to formally establish an integrated care pathway between these organizations, ensuring that participants receive a continuum of care that advances their long-term recovery based on evidence and measurement-based care. Since the initiative launched, more than 50 individuals have been assisted by the pathway. 

Individuals eligible for the pathway are identified by SHN staff in the mental health inpatient unit, after which they and their families can consult with a care coordinator who bridges the care between Ontario Shores and SHN. Patients whose psychosis symptoms have not adequately improved after two weeks will be transferred to Ontario Shores' Assessment and Reintegration Program (ARP). Wherever the individual receives treatment in this transition, they will still be cared for by "one team,” following the same best-practice treatment plan.

Once an individual is ready to return to the community, they can be supported on the pathway by providers at any of the four organizations who are part of this partnership.   

This will ultimately result in a more seamless transition from the hospital to the community programs and ensure individuals are provided with the right care at the right time in the right setting without delays.

This integrated pathway and collaboration will positively impact access, outcomes, and the ability to navigate one's way through the mental health care system.

Learn more​ about the organizations involved in this partnership.

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