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Victorian Transcultural Mental Health Research Conference 2005 Dr Ruth Vine. RESEARCH IN THE CONTEXT OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE PROVISION – THE CHALLENGES. THE COMPETING PRIORITIES. Steady increase in demand for services Sustained media interest and criticism
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Victorian Transcultural Mental Health Research Conference 2005 Dr Ruth Vine RESEARCH IN THE CONTEXT OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE PROVISION – THE CHALLENGES
THE COMPETING PRIORITIES • Steady increase in demand for services • Sustained media interest and criticism • Complicated funding and responsibilities – commonwealth primary care and specialist, state public health and non-government organisations • Pressure in other areas such as prisons, child protection, juvenile justice
A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY • NMH Policy and first NMHP 1992 • Second NMHP broadened the focus • Current plan 2003 –2008 stated intention to continue the work of the first plan in re-orienting MH services, as well as progressing a more inclusive and whole of government approach • Victoria ahead of the pack in many ways
WHY RESEARCH? • What is the problem? – prevalence, diagnosis, service access • What is the cause of the problem? – personal history, environment, social support • What can be done? – service configuration, service range, workforce attributes, specific treatments, specialist services
WHAT DO WE ALREADY DO? • Research not primary responsibility of MHB • Commonwealth responsibility - NHMRC • Specific research funding by MHB: - beyondblue/Centre for Excellence in Depression and Related Disorders - MHRI • Other – mix of funding streams - Neuropsychiatry centre - Orygen Youth Health - range of research oriented units – CPNRP, Alfred, Centre for Rural Mental Health etc
WHAT DO WE ALREADY DO IN TRANSCULTURAL MENTAL HEALTH? • Funding to transcultural/ethnic areas - VTPU - ADEC - VFSTT - Ethnic Mental Health Consultants • Must recognise the importance of sensitivity to and awareness of transcultural issues in mainstreamed services – use of interpreters etc.
WHAT DO WE KNOW? • Population stats, incl. specific communities • Cultural backgrounds of people using MHS • Some knowledge of mental illness prevalence in ethnic groups • Feedback about access & treatment barriers • Knowledge in some areas about what works, what is helpful, who should be involved
WHAT SHOULD WE DO? • Be clear about the research role of MHS: should lead to better services for consumers and carers • Direct attention to how best to use existing funds, as well as seeking more funding • Disseminate research/share info/coordinate research efforts • Implement research evidence & evaluate
SO WHAT PLACE RESEARCH? • Needs to be a mix of exploring new areas for service and evaluating those already in place • Must be consistent with overall directions – community support, integration with other areas in health and community, workforce development; and recognise emerging areas such as specific communities – eg detention centres, ethnic specific growth areas • Funding should be from a range of Government, corporate and philanthropic sources, linked to other research efforts
CONCLUSION • Research important, has to remain relevant, and able to be acted upon • VTPU operational for 9 years • Greater effort on putting services in place and addressing workforce needs • Issues will change with new waves of immigration – Middle East, Africa etc • Need to address both metro and rural areas