Special Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM)

Special Supportive Clinical Management, otherwise referred to as SSCM is an individualised approach to therapy that focuses on providing comprehensive support to those with complex medical needs. The goal of SSCM is to improve the quality of life for these individuals and help them manage their condition effectively. It aims to improve a patient’s overall well-being and quality of life by addressing their physical, emotional, and social needs through a coordinated and multidisciplinary approach. The SSCM team typically consists of a team of professionals such as medical specialists,  Psychologists, Social Workers, nursing care and rehabilitation specialists who work together to build a treatment plan and provide cohesive and ongoing care and support.

In SSCM, a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals works together to assess each patient’s needs and develop a tailored treatment plan. This may involve a combination of medical, psychological, social, and rehabilitation services, as well as the required level of education and support required to ensure quality of life. 

SSCM covers a range of elements to address the physical, emotional, and social needs of individuals. These elements may include but are not limited to:

1. Comprehensive Assessment: A complete thorough evaluation of a patient’s medical, psychological, social, and functional needs used to assess their individual needs.
2. Personalised Treatment Plan: Development of an individualised treatment and care plan based on the patient’s assessment results from above and specific care needs.
3. Multidisciplinary Care Team: Bringing together a team of healthcare professionals from various fields, including psychology who work together to provide coordinated care.
4. Medical Management: Management of the patient’s medical conditions and treatment of any additional concerns.
5. Psychological Support: Providing emotional and psychological support to help patients cope with their conditions and improve their quality of life.
6. Rehabilitation: Providing services such as occupational and speech therapy or physical rehabilitation to improve the patient’s functional abilities and independence.
7. Social Support: Addressing the social and financial needs that an individual may face, such as providing housing, transportation, and financial assistance, in order  to improve the patient’s overall well-being.
8. Patient and Family Education: Providing the individual as well as any family members or necessary carers with the information and skills necessary to support their daily needs.
9. Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: Comprehensive and ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the patient’s plan and progress and adjustment of this as required.

A Special Supportive Clinical Management (SSCM) psychological treatment plan typically monitors the following aspects of a patient’s emotional and psychological well-being:

1. Mental Health Status: Monitoring the patient’s mental health conditions and ensuring that all symptoms are managed and reviewed regularly.
2. Coping Skills: Evaluating the patient’s ability to manage stress and emotional distress as well as providing the support and strategies needed for improvement.
3. Quality of Life: Assessing the patient’s satisfaction with their life and well-being and implementing interventions to improve it.
4. Social Support: Monitoring and evaluating the patient’s social support network such as friends and family and providing support and resources to improve it.
5. Cognitive Function: Assessing the patient’s cognitive abilities and strengths, such as memory and attention, and providing support and strategies to improve them.
6. Behavioural Health: Monitoring the patient’s behaviour and providing support and interventions to manage any relevant problematic behaviour.
7. Substance Use: Monitoring and addressing any substance use or addiction issues that may be present.
8. Medication Management: Evaluating the patient’s current medication use and making any necessary adjustments.