Examining the effects of enhanced funding for specialized community mental health programs on continuity of care

In this paper we examine the changes in continuity of care (CoC) likely to be affected by new system investments and the contributing factors. A mixed method approach was used. Decision-makers participated in two rounds of qualitative interviews. A 3-year cross-sectional quantitative data collection approach was used with clients and case managers. A main finding was that new system investments can improve CoC in terms of increased care access. However, it is not clear how other CoC dimensions will be affected. New funding can also have negative consequences related to the service models in which investments are made.