Clinical case formulation of suboptimal engagement

Abstract

Case formulation creates a coherent account of the complex array of events, situations, and circumstances within a person's lifetime which may impact upon their attitudes and behavior in the current setting. Case formulation in health settings can involve applying psychological concepts to understand the difficulties experienced by people seeking treatment and to identify ways in which these difficulties may be managed. This chapter presents a number of frameworks to support the formulation of complex patterns of engagement in healthcare treatment, as well as identifying significant factors which may be included in the formulation. The case has been made for a systematic attempt to think about the "why?" question in relation to suboptimal engagement. Why has this individual developed the views that they have, why do they feel the way they do and behave in the way they do? The case formulation will require the practitioner to work in collaboration with the person receiving care and to adopt an open-minded approach. Use of a recognized framework of factors to support the case formulation will help to ensure that the formulation is comprehensive and has considered a range of causal factors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: chapter)