Improving The Evidence Base For Suicide Prevention Initiatives
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$772,209.00
Summary
The burden of suicide persists partly because we don’t know what works and what doesn’t work in suicide prevention. Relatively little research effort has been invested in studies that can tell us how best to direct resources. The problem is compounded by a disconnect between researchers and decision-makers. Through this Fellowship, Jane Pirkis will develop and implement a model for working with decision-makers to generate the best possible evidence upon which to base suicide prevention policy.
The Evaluation of Stuctures and Processes for Effective Client, Carer and Community Outcomes: A Model for Rural Mental Health Services. The South West Healthcare Area Mental Health Service ( Warnambool) has demonstrated according to key performance indicators, an effective system of service delivery. This evaluative research project seeks to identify key components within the organisational structures and processes of a rural mental health service that contribute to these effective outcomes fo ....The Evaluation of Stuctures and Processes for Effective Client, Carer and Community Outcomes: A Model for Rural Mental Health Services. The South West Healthcare Area Mental Health Service ( Warnambool) has demonstrated according to key performance indicators, an effective system of service delivery. This evaluative research project seeks to identify key components within the organisational structures and processes of a rural mental health service that contribute to these effective outcomes for clients. The research process will test these key components against other rural and urban mental health services in Victoria and will result in the development of a model for rural mental health service delivery of both local and national significance.Read moreRead less
The Development and Evaluation of an Online Support System for Mental Health Workers in Rural, Remote and Regional Areas. Suicide has been estimated to cost Australia over $460 million/year. Rural suicide workers have mulitfaceted roles pivotal to their communities' social well being, yet suffer professional isolation and inadequate access to resources and expertise through geographic remoteness.
Online technologies potentially offer effective support mechanisms. This research will increase fu ....The Development and Evaluation of an Online Support System for Mental Health Workers in Rural, Remote and Regional Areas. Suicide has been estimated to cost Australia over $460 million/year. Rural suicide workers have mulitfaceted roles pivotal to their communities' social well being, yet suffer professional isolation and inadequate access to resources and expertise through geographic remoteness.
Online technologies potentially offer effective support mechanisms. This research will increase fundamental knowledge by:
* developing, implementing and rigorously evaluating the effectiveness and transferability of an innovative online model for professional support and expertise; and
* systematically addressing the complex ethical, professional and technical issues associated with using online technology to assist suicide reduction.Read moreRead less
Transition to retirement by adults with chronic disabilities: increasing community capacity. This project will contribute to healthy, productive ageing by people with chronic disabilities. This group are living longer and will retire from their disability-specific supported employment and day program services. They then risk social exclusion, loneliness and associated poor health outcomes. This project will provide training and support to local community groups and voluntary work settings, to in ....Transition to retirement by adults with chronic disabilities: increasing community capacity. This project will contribute to healthy, productive ageing by people with chronic disabilities. This group are living longer and will retire from their disability-specific supported employment and day program services. They then risk social exclusion, loneliness and associated poor health outcomes. This project will provide training and support to local community groups and voluntary work settings, to increase community capacity to support this group to participate actively in and contribute to their community in retirement. This will result in increased participation by this group and improvements in their well-being. Training resources developed by the project will be available to disability service providers nationally.Read moreRead less
A Randomised Clinical Trial Of Internet-based Treatment For Binge Drinking And Depression In Young Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$941,787.00
Summary
This project focuses on a common clinical problem that causes substantial functional, economic and health impacts; comorbid depression and binge drinking. These conditions are under-treated and peak in young adulthood. This project offers a low cost, wide reach, youth-appropriate treatment, which will have profound implications for service design and health policy. It relates to current Commonwealth initiatives in e-health and e-Psychology.
Catch Them When They Fall: Providing Best Evidence Care After A Suicide Attempt
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$181,065.00
Summary
A previous suicide attempt is the strongest predictor of death by suicide. There is a strong evidence base for the key changes required to care after a suicide attempt: implementing evidence-based care is estimated to reduce suicide attempts at the population level by approximately 12%. Yet this is an area of health services that has been difficult to reform. This project is aimed at implementing best-evidence practice in four regions of NSW, where I have established partnerships.
A Stepped Care Approach For The Management Of Childhood Anxiety Disorders: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$936,628.00
Summary
Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental disorder in childhood. Research has led to some good treatments but these don't necessarily suit all families. Stepped care is a format that allows the least complicated treatment to be given to a child first, followed by more intense treatments only when needed. The current study aims to compare this approach against a standard, established treatment. We expect the stepped care approach to result in better outcomes at a lower overall cost.
Implementing Safewards In Victoria: Evaluating Acceptability And Outcomes For Consumers And Staff
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$81,802.00
Summary
Safewards is a theory and specific strategies for inpatient mental health services, intended to create a safer and more supportive environment. Safewards was trialled in Victorian wards, this project will utilise the information collected in the trial. It aims to understand the impact of the implementation of Safewards from the perspectives of consumers and staff. Ultimately my research will provide evidence about the appropriateness of Safewards in Victorian mental health inpatient services.
Depression Prevalence: Delineation Issues In 2007 National Mental Health & Wellbeing And 2008 South Australian Surveys
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$257,051.00
Summary
It is believed depression is increasing and Australia has many health interventions to help, but it is unknown if these are reducing depression prevalence. Two surveys have reported on depression in the past 10 years. One shows it is decreasing, the other it is increasing. This study will examine depression measurement in both surveys to find out why they disagree. The findings will have implications for future depression measurement and what health care interventions should be planned.