Defining Acuity in Community Mental Health: An Evolutionary Concept Analysis

Abstract

The term ‘acuity’ is used in community mental health in clinical decision‐making related to risk and access to services. It has consequences for people who use services, as it has impacts on how resources are allocated. However, the meaning of ‘acuity’ is obtuse, as it lacks consensus or definition in community mental health practice. To examine the concept of acuity in community mental health, Rodgers’ evolutionary approach was used to analyse critical attributes, antecedents and consequences from 19 studies selected for review. Thematic analysis identified attributes, antecedents and consequences. Six attributes of acuity in community mental health were identified: clinical presentation, risk, complexity, urgency, need and perception. Two categories of antecedents were identified: clinician‐perceived vulnerabilities and organisational factors. Four consequences were also identified: treatment, prioritisation, access and workload. This paper presents these findings and a definition to reflect current understandings of acuity in the community mental health practice context.