ORCID Profile
0000-0002-2212-1626
Current Organisations
Torrens University Australia
,
Federation University
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Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-10-2021
Abstract: Changes in health-seeking behaviours and challenges in accessing care have been reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative study examines Australian experiences related to healthcare access during the early months of the pandemic. The study aimed to identify key areas of concern as well as opportunities for services to prevent, manage and treat health concerns when normal access was disrupted. Fifty-nine semi-structured interviews were analysed. Participants were interviewed between August and December in 2020 over telephone or Zoom and were located across Australia. Rapid identification of themes with an audio recordings technique was used to generate themes from the data. Participants described a variety of influences on their health-seeking behaviours, resulting in decisions to delay care or being unable to reach care. Many in iduals accessed health services via telehealth and offered a range of perceptions and views on its effectiveness and appropriateness. The findings illustrate that maintenance of health and access to healthcare and psychosocial support were compromised for some in iduals, leading to negative impacts on both mental and physical health. This highlights the need to provide mechanisms to facilitate a person’s ability to access care in a timely manner during a pandemic.
Publisher: Figshare
Date: 2017
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-06-2021
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 20-03-2023
Publisher: Figshare
Date: 2019
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 05-06-2020
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 16-05-2022
DOI: 10.1111/JPM.12840
Abstract: Negative attitudes towards mental illness lead to the formation of stigma. Stigma prevents the recovery of people diagnosed with mental illness. There is evidence of stigmatic attitudes towards mental ill health among mental health professionals. Anti‐stigma initiatives, such as education and training, may be effective in enhancing or maintaining positive attitudes towards mental illness among mental health professionals. Education and training that is designed and delivered around a specific mental health diagnosis or condition appears an appropriate strategy that could benefit mental health professionals to develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of mental ill health and its impacts on in iduals. Consumer involvement in the education and training of mental health professionals regarding the stigma of mental illness is recommended however, this is an under‐explored area of investigation. There is a weak evidence base regarding the long‐term sustainability of effects from anti‐stigma education and training. This should be addressed via further research in future. Anti‐stigma initiatives can support mental health professionals to develop stigma‐free, recovery‐oriented practices in their work. Further, such initiatives can improve the provision of evidence‐based quality care for the consumers, facilitating their recovery. Despite an increasing focus on stigma, evidence shows prejudicial attitudes towards mental illness among mental health professionals still exist. It is suggested that anti‐stigma initiatives can aid in enhancing the attitudes of mental health professionals. However, research on initiatives targeting stigma of mental illness among mental health professionals is limited. To identify and analyse scientific literature pertaining to the effectiveness of anti‐stigma initiatives regarding mental ill health among mental health professionals. A systematic literature review was performed using the databases MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, Google Search engine and Google Scholar. The papers were limited to English language, published in peer‐reviewed journals with full‐text articles available and published between the years 2008 and 2020 to understand the most recent trends in the attitudes of mental health professionals including nurses. The Population, Intervention, Comparison and Outcome (PICO) strategy was used to identify papers meeting the inclusion criteria. A total of 439 papers were identified. However, papers not meeting the inclusion criteria were excluded from selection. Three appraisers reviewed the selected papers in idually using the Joanna Briggs Institute [JBI] critical appraisal tool. Finally, eight unanimously accepted papers were included in the systematic review. Several effective anti‐stigma initiatives were identified through the review, and these had positive impacts on mental health professionals’ attitudes towards mental illness, for at least a short period. It was identified that contact‐based interventions are relevant and effective although the involvement of consumers and caregivers in the design and delivery of interventions was not explicitly addressed in detail in studies included in the review. Education strategies tailored for specific mental illness may be more appropriate, rather than approaches that refer to mental illness in general. This review shows the evidence of pessimistic attitudes towards mental illness persists among mental health professionals. Anti‐stigma initiatives identified in the selected papers were effective in changing these attitudes. Future research should be focused on the effectiveness of contact‐based interventions and understanding the longer‐term effects of the interventions among homogeneous groups. Full consideration of the varying level of clinical experience and expertise in mental health should guide the development and implementation of anti‐stigma initiatives in this context. Anti‐stigma interventions can have a positive impact on mental health professionals’ knowledge, attitudes and supportive caring for people diagnosed with mental illness. Such anti‐stigma interventions may meaningfully support stakeholders to address the impact of negative attitudes on the physical and mental health status of people diagnosed with mental illness. With sustained leadership, effort and reinforcement, it is possible to create workplace cultures that prioritize stigma‐free and recovery‐oriented behaviours and practices within mental health services.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 15-06-2023
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-09-2021
Abstract: Australia adopted hard lockdown measures to eliminate community transmission of COVID-19. Lockdown imposes periods of social isolation that contributes to increased levels of stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and worry. We examined whether lockdowns have similar psychosocial associations across rural and urban areas and whether associations existed between happiness and worry of loneliness in the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. Data were collected using the “COVID-19 Living Survey” between 13 and 20 May 2020 by BehaviourWorks Australia at the Monash Sustainable Development Institute. The mean self-reported feeling of happiness and anxiousness (N = 1593), on a 10-point Likert scale with 0 being least happy or highly anxious, was 6.5 (SD = 2.4) and 3.9 (2.9), respectively. Factors associated with happiness were older age and having a postgraduate education. Participants worried about becoming lonely also exhibited reduced happiness (estimate = −1.58, 95%CI = −1.84–−1.32) and higher anxiousness (2.22, 1.93–2.51) scores, and these conditions remained associated after adjusting for demographics. Interestingly, worry about loneliness was greater in rural areas than in urban communities. The negative impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on rural youth and those less-educated was evident. Participants in rural Australia who were worried about becoming lonely were reportedly less happy than participants in major cities. This dataset provides a better understanding of factors that influence psychological well-being and quality of life in the Australian population and helps to determine whether happiness may be an associative factor that could mitigate self-feelings of anxiety and worry about loneliness.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 29-10-2021
Abstract: This national study investigated the positives reported by residents experiencing the large-scale public health measures instituted in Australia to manage the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Most Australians had not previously experienced the traditional public health measures used (social distancing, hand hygiene and restriction of movement) and which could potentially impact negatively on mental well-being. The research design included qualitative semi-structured phone interviews where participants described their early pandemic experiences. Data analysis used a rapid identification of themes technique, well-suited to large-scale qualitative research. The ninety participants (mean age 48 years 70 women) were distributed nationally. Analysis revealed five themes linked with mental well-being and the concept of silver linings: safety and security, gratitude and appreciation, social cohesion and connections, and opportunities to reset priorities and resilience. Participants demonstrated support for the public health measures and evidence of in idual and community resilience. They were cognisant of positives despite personal curtailment and negative impacts of public health directives. Stories of hope, strength, and acceptance, innovative connections with others and focusing on priorities and opportunities within the hardship were important strategies that others could use in managing adversity.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-06-2021
DOI: 10.1111/INM.12897
Abstract: Mental health recovery is an enabling process encouraging consumers to live a productive life, notwithstanding the presence of debilitating symptoms of illness. The recovery model has been integrated into all areas of mental health. However, literature shows that mental health professionals are not equipped to provide recovery‐oriented care to consumers. Researchers have recommended recovery‐based interventions to develop knowledge, attitudes, and skills to promote recovery‐oriented practice in mental health, yet there is a paucity of research regarding the effect of recovery‐oriented interventions on the knowledge and attitudes of mental health professionals to improve recovery‐oriented practice. Therefore, the purpose of the current review is to understand the effectiveness of interventions on recovery knowledge and attitudes of mental health professionals regarding recovery‐oriented practice. The papers were identified through the Population Intervention Comparison and Outcome strategy. The heterogeneity of the selected papers led to a narrative review instead of a systematic review with meta‐analysis. The analysis suggested that recovery‐based interventions are effective in enhancing the recovery knowledge and attitudes of mental health professionals. Recovery‐based interventions have the potential to reduce the use of physical restraints and improve work satisfaction among mental health professionals. The limitations of the studies were the heterogeneity of the selected populations and the absence of strong methodologies to assess the effect of the interventions. Therefore, future investigations should be focused on the effect of interventions on a homogeneous group using randomized controlled trials.
Publisher: IGI Global
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-0169-5.CH009
Abstract: Australian universities have implemented outbound student mobility programs focused on the Asian region and hyped them as a ‘powerful' educational strategy with the potential to positively transform students through opportunities to acquire intercultural competence. It is assumed students' intercultural competence will give them ‘the edge' they need to be successful when working with cultural others across erse contexts. While outbound mobility programs can build students' intercultural competence, this does not happen just because they study abroad. This chapter presents a new border pedagogy based on the concept of hybridity that is being used to transform an Australian outbound mobility program. The new border pedagogy works by intentionally putting what is ‘known' into crisis by constantly blurring and problematising boundaries, binaries and identities. Outbound mobility programs that leverage a new border pedagogy underpinned by hybridity can build students' intercultural competence by encouraging them to embrace potential miscommunication and intercultural conflict.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-03-2023
DOI: 10.1111/JPM.12919
Abstract: Immigrant, refugee and asylum seeker populations worldwide are at high risk of mental health issues National mental health policies call for recognising Australian society's multicultural characteristics to ensure adequate mental health services to CALD communities Several barriers exist for people from CALD communities in Victoria to access and utilise mental health services Improving mental health professionals' knowledge of mental health service provision and cultural responsiveness can enhance CALD community access to services. We analysed the perspectives of people from CALD communities in Victoria regarding their needs and experiences with mental health services. Participants reported erse perceptions and understanding of mental health issues and services Various challenges were identified regarding health service utilisation for the CALD community in Victoria, including language barriers, stigma towards mental health issues, mental health illiteracy, distrust and lack of familiarity with mainstream mental health services. These challenges were acknowledged by community members even after a long residence in Australia The data generated on the beliefs about mental health issues and consequent help‐seeking behaviours highlight the importance of culturally sensitive targeted prevention and early intervention strategies and ongoing commitment to building mental health literacy in the wider community The information from the study can be adapted for quality improvement and culturally responsive practices The strategies for effective service delivery drawn by this paper can be a comprehensive resource tool for mental health professionals, organisations and policymakers The findings imply that CALD mental health service users and their families will likely benefit from improved service assessment and quality of mental health care and equity when MHNs undertake cultural competence training and bring that into their practice. Victoria is one of the most multicultural states in Australia. Many CALD communities in Victoria may have encountered complicated migration journeys and complex life stressors during their initial settlement, leading to adverse mental health concerns. This ersity necessitates public policy settings to ensure equity and access in health services planning and delivery. While the MH policies and services take cultural ersity into account, there needs to be more implementation of those components of MH policies that relate to the particular needs of various CALD communities in Victoria. Even though mental health services prevent and address mental health issues, many barriers can impair CALD community access and utilisation of mental health services. Furthermore, the recent Royal Commission inquiry into the Victorian Mental Health system drives a renewed policy imperative to ensure meaningful engagement and cultural safety of all people accessing and utilising mental health services (Department of Health, 2023). This study focused on the perspectives of people from CALD communities in Victoria regarding their mental health service needs, understandings of and experiences with mental health services to prepare an education package for mental health nurses as part of a larger multi‐method research project. A qualitative descriptive design was used to collect and analyse the perspectives of 21 participants in Victoria, using telephone interviews, followed by thematic analysis. The themes and sub‐themes identified were: Settling issues Perceptions of understanding of mental health issues (help‐seeking attitudes toward mental health issues the need for CALD community education) perceived barriers to accessing and utilising mental health services in Victoria ( socio‐cultural and language barriers stigma, labelling and discrimination knowledge and experience of accessing health facilities ) experience with mental health services and professionals. Community participation, mental health professional education and robust research regarding the mental health needs of CALD people are some of the recommended strategies to improve access and utilisation of mental health services in Victoria. The current study can contribute to the existing knowledge, understanding, practice and quality improvement as it vividly portrays the issues of various CALD communities in Victoria. The findings of this study imply that CALD MH service users and their families are likely to benefit in terms of improved service assessment and quality of MH care and equity when MHNs undertake CC training and bring that into their practice.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-04-2023
DOI: 10.1111/INM.13152
Abstract: National mental health policies accentuate the importance of having positive attitudes, skills, and knowledge among mental health professionals to facilitate recovery‐oriented practices in all areas of mental health care. However, evidence suggests that mental health professionals' negative attitudes towards mental illness are still evident and that recovery‐oriented practice in acute inpatient units may be poorly implemented. At the same time, there is also a paucity of research to understand Mental Health Nurses' attitudes towards mental illness and recovery‐oriented practice specifically. Therefore, this non‐participant observation study aimed to explore Mental Health Nurses' attitudes towards mental illness and recovery‐oriented practice in acute inpatient units by observing the interactions between the consumers and nurses. The Mental Illness Clinicians Attitudes Scale‐v4 and The Recovery Attitudes Questionnaire inspired the development of a non‐participant observation chart for this study and the observations were recorded on the chart. Six observations were conducted in three acute inpatient units. Observations focused on Mental Health Nurses' knowledge about mental illness, communication, dignity, respect, anxiety, fear, punishment, facilitation of real choices for consumers, physical care, cooperation with consumers' families and others and recovery orientation. Interpretive descriptive analysis was used to analyse the data. The results show that Mental Health Nurses generally have positive attitudes towards mental illness and recovery‐oriented practice. Some deficits in the physical care of people with mental illness in the acute inpatient units were observed. Therefore, future research could address the adequate preparation of Mental Health Nurses to provide physical care to people with mental illnesses.
Publisher: Figshare
Date: 2017
No related grants have been discovered for Louise Townsin.