ORCID Profile
0000-0003-1038-9374
Current Organisation
Monash University
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Nursing | Preference, Behaviour and Welfare | Water Services and Utilities | Mental Health Services
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 15-02-2013
DOI: 10.1108/17570971311309006
Abstract: The integration of health or social services is an enduring challenge and especially so in relation to people experiencing “dual diagnosis”, the co‐occurrence of mental health and substance use problems. The emergence of the “dual diagnosis” concept has highlighted the tension between specialist treatment for single problems and complex, in idualised care. The purpose of this paper is to examine the evolving nature of dual diagnosis initiatives in an Australian state during recent decades. Interpretive, case study analysis of policy documents and key informant interviews (19) illuminates the experience of dual diagnosis initiatives. In the case of Victoria, dual diagnosis responsiveness has evolved slowly over the last 20 years, delayed by the inherent difficulty of practice change, a weak perception of need, interprofessional tensions and shortcomings in data collection, coordination and resources. Key enablers have been ch ions and leaders in policy, management and clinical practice, directive government policy and targeted funding. Achieving a wrap‐around service system entails investment in interpersonal relationship‐building and stigma reduction, as well as technical or structural changes. The paper presents a unique and independent view of a 20‐year period and indicates progress in attitudinal change that merits wider acknowledgement and application to other settings throughout health and social care.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-09-2011
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 23-03-2016
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-01-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.APNU.2011.09.001
Abstract: It is estimated that 1 in 5 children have a parent with a mental illness, and studies have shown that such children are more likely to develop mental health problems when compared with their peers. Research has demonstrated the benefits of mental health clinician family-sensitive practice to both parents and their children however, a measure of clinician practice is not available. The psychometric properties of a questionnaire measuring family-focused practice in the psychiatric setting are reported here. There were 307 public adult mental health worker participants, predominantly from the nursing profession and working full time. Principal component analysis highlighted 14 subscales that summarize 49 items reflecting organizational and worker factors, such as skill/knowledge about the impact of parental mental illness on children and worker confidence. Subscales are discussed in relation to the literature and psychiatric policy. The measure appears a useful tool for evaluation, benchmarking for training and organizational improvement, and ultimately, for increasing quality services to parents, families, and particularly children associated with psychiatric services.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-07-2015
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 19-08-2010
DOI: 10.1080/00981380903364791
Abstract: Given the prevalence and associated vulnerabilities of children of parents with a mental illness (COPMI) it is essential to develop appropriate interventions. While education is an important component in many interventions, little is known about what topics are covered, delivery mode, and the efficacy in meeting the needs of this target group. Eighteen facilitators responsible for delivering COPMI programs across Australia were interviewed, fifteen of whom include education about mental illness in their treatment programs. According to program facilitators, education about mental health was important because they believed that knowledge equates to power, and can be cathartic. Education chiefly consisted of signs, symptoms, and treatments of various mental illnesses. The dominant mode of delivery was small and large group discussion. When delivering education, there was some consideration for children's ages. However, there was less differentiation in programs according to the diagnosis of parents' mental illness. Clinical and research implications conclude the article.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-01-2013
DOI: 10.1111/EIP.12015
Abstract: Mental illness is widespread among Aboriginal men in Australia. However, they do not access mental health services in proportion to their need. Although several reports implicate cultural differences of mental health services as the cause of underutilization, very little is known about help seeking by Aboriginal men who are mentally unwell. This study explores the help-seeking behaviour of Aboriginal men who are mentally unwell in a rural Victorian community. The study was carried out using a combination of culturally appropriate research methodologies. Within a Qualitative Description design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with a range of Aboriginal people including men, carers and those involved in service delivery. A total of 17 Aboriginal people were interviewed, of whom 15 were men. Data were analysed thematically. Four themes emerged from the data collected. They included 'Difficulty in recognizing mental health problems', 'Barriers to disclosing one's problems', 'Reluctance to contact services' and 'Alternate coping strategies'. These findings suggest that there is a need for programmes that aim to improve mental health literacy and promote help seeking among Aboriginal men who are mentally unwell. Such programmes need to be developed jointly by mental health services as well as Aboriginal stakeholders, and implemented in a culturally sensitive and acceptable way.
Publisher: Hindawi Limited
Date: 19-10-2023
DOI: 10.1155/2023/8250781
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 24-02-2016
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 31-10-2018
DOI: 10.2196/10158
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 18-06-2020
DOI: 10.2196/15626
Abstract: One in 5 young people grow up in a family where one parent has experienced a mental health problem or substance use concern. Compared with their same-aged peers, these youth are at a higher risk of academic failure and acquiring a substance abuse and/or mental health issue. There is a paucity of accessible, age-appropriate interventions that address their needs. A 6-week, web-based intervention, “mental illness: supported, preventative, online, targeted” (mi.spot), was developed based on previous research and the competence enhancement model. This paper describes the protocol for a randomized controlled trial and details how the usage, safety, acceptability, and feasibility of the intervention will be determined. Participants will be recruited through social media and clinician referral. A total of 70 Australians, aged 18 to 25 years, who grew up with parents with a mental illness or substance use concern will participate in a 2-arm parallel randomized controlled trial. The assessment will consist of a baseline measurement and 2 follow-up periods, posttest and 6-week follow-up, using the Mental Health Continuum short form the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced inventory the General Help Seeking Questionnaire the Social Connectedness Scale the Mental Health Literacy Scale the General Self-Efficacy Scale and the Attribution of Responsibility for Parental Mental Illness Measure. Impact will be examined at pre, post, and follow-up time periods using analyses of variance that will include a within-subjects factor (time) and a between-subjects factor (intervention/control). Facilitator interviews will ascertain intervention feasibility. Participant interviews will ascertain intervention acceptability. Interview data will be analyzed within a qualitative framework. Usage (data analytics) across site features and several indicators of clinical safety will also be reported. The impact of mi.spot will be examined at pre, post, and follow-up time periods using analyses of variance on each of the measures outlined above. There will be a within-subjects factor (time) and a between-subjects factor (intervention/control). Data analysis will employ the intention-to-treat principle by including all participants in the analyses. Qualitative interview data will be analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis along with respondent validation. The Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (reference number: 2019-18660-30434) approved the trial on April 17, 2019. As of October 2, 2019, 30 participants were enrolled in the control group and 34 participants were enrolled in the intervention group. Result are expected to be submitted for publication in December 2020. Study results will provide reliable evidence on a web-based intervention that has the potential to make a difference to the lives of many vulnerable young adults. Implementation guidelines are needed to embed the intervention in different service sectors. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12619000335190 anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12619000335190 DERR1-10.2196/15626
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 27-06-2018
DOI: 10.1111/INM.12503
Abstract: Family-focused practice improves outcomes for families where parents have a mental illness. However, there is limited understanding regarding the factors that predict and enable these practices. This study aimed to identify factors that predict and enable mental health nurses' family-focused practice. A sequential mixed methods design was used. A total of 343 mental health nurses, practicing in 12 mental health services (in acute inpatient and community settings), throughout Ireland completed the Family Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire, measuring family-focused behaviours and other factors that impact family-focused activities. Hierarchical multiple regression identified 14 predictors of family-focused practice. The most important predictors noted were nurses' skill and knowledge, own parenting experience, and work setting (i.e. community). Fourteen nurses, who achieved high scores on the questionnaire, subsequently participated in semistructured interviews to elaborate on enablers of family-focused practice. Participants described drawing on their parenting experiences to normalize parenting challenges, encouraging service users to disclose parenting concerns, and promoting trust. The opportunity to visit a service user's home allowed them to observe how the parent was coping and forge a close relationship with them. Nurses' personal characteristics and work setting are key factors in determining family-focused practice. This study extends current research by clearly highlighting predictors of family-focused practice and reporting how various enablers promoted family-focused practice. The capacity of nurses to support families has training, organizational and policy implications within adult mental health services in Ireland and elsewhere.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-08-2015
DOI: 10.1111/INM.12146
Abstract: Within the context of mental illness, there is an acknowledgement that the social environment is critical to recovery. Nonetheless, how family roles and interactions are presented in recovery frameworks is unclear. This systematic review sought to: (i) identify how family is defined in recovery models, and (ii) synthesize how family relationships and roles are incorporated into recovery models for those with a mental illness. A systematic search of electronic databases was conducted for peer reviewed, English language papers published between 1980 to April 2013, from Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Proquest, CINAHL plus and Web of Knowledge. Studies were included if they presented a recovery framework and include primary data from people with a mental illness where family was incorporated. A narrative thematic analysis was conducted on the eligible 31 studies, using inductive, open coding techniques. Eight studies did not define what was meant by 'family' while 10 studies focused exclusively on an in idual's relationships with parents six papers collected parenting demographics. Family roles included being a (adult) child, parent, spouse and being part of a 'family'. Family interactions involved being passive recipients of family support, caring for elderly parents and children and reciprocal, give and take relationships. Family interactions and roles offer the opportunity to both facilitate and impede recovery.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-07-2015
DOI: 10.1111/CFS.12086
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-06-2014
DOI: 10.1111/FAMP.12082
Abstract: There is a large gulf between what psychiatric services should (or could) provide and what they do in practice. This article sought to determine practice differences between the differing professions working in adult mental health services in terms of their family focused work. Three hundred and seven adult mental health professionals completed a cross-sectional survey of family focused practices in adult mental health services. Findings highlight that social workers engaged in more family focused practice compared to psychiatric nurses, who performed consistently the lowest on direct family care, compared to both social workers and psychologists. Clear skill, knowledge, and confidence differences are indicated between the professions. The article concludes by offering direction for future profession education and training in family focused practices.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-07-2013
DOI: 10.1111/CFS.12084
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 12-2011
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2003
DOI: 10.1002/SMI.961
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2014
DOI: 10.1111/AJR.12155
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 29-07-2015
Abstract: This study outlines the service issues and adjustments associated with the implementation of Choice and Partnership Approach (CAPA) into a rural Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). A mixed-methods approach examined the impacts of the CAPA implementation. A qualitative review of the minutes from team and implementation group meetings illustrated themes according to 11 key CAPA components. Quantitative internal audit data illustrated waiting list times. Findings showed that inclusive language has replaced the traditional, pathology-driven psychiatric discourse, though this has been met with mixed response from CAMHS clinicians, service users and referrers. Data also showed that a waiting list for clinician allocation has been eliminated, and the waiting time between the referral date and the first face-to-face contact has decreased from 63.9 days to 10.7 days. A modified CAPA Choice appointment system has allowed quick access without a waiting list, in line with government guidelines. A full-booking system and focussed, goal-oriented interventions has led to lower caseloads and optimum use of CAMHS clinician skillsets.
Publisher: AMPCo
Date: 16-04-2012
DOI: 10.5694/MJAO11.11179
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-07-2014
DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2014.929332
Abstract: In recent decades, psychiatric services have been challenged to be more responsive to patients' coexisting problems, in particular those concerning substance use. In Australia this has been referred to as a "No Wrong Door" approach. This paper explores the meanings of this move for the acute mental health sector, including attitudes toward a No Wrong Door approach to people with a dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance use disorder. This qualitative study involved a review of the research literatures, analysis of policy documents, and interviews with 19 key informants in a case study of the State of Victoria, Australia. The analysis resulted in two broad themes surrounding the implications of dual diagnosis discourse for the mental health sector. The first involves progress regarding the concept of No Wrong Door with subthemes including interprofessional cultural conflicts, intersectoral professional status issues, terminology, problem definition, perspectives on serious mental illness, the role of the client, and pharmacological treatment. The second overarching theme focuses upon informants' thoughts on future directions for the sector and highlights ided opinion on the implications of dual diagnosis discourse for the mental health service and social care systems. While the perspectives on system change and multiple issues such as resource concerns and cultural clashes are presented here, the informants in this study also gave clear guidance for the future of dual diagnosis work in the mental health sector (e.g., focusing on orienting services toward consumer strengths and recovery), along with recommendations for future research. This paper contributes to the small body of qualitative research on the history and course of efforts to develop appropriate practice in mental health services with regard to patients who have substance use problems and other mental health disorders.
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 02-2023
DOI: 10.1037/TRA0001179
Abstract: This study explored how exposure to a mine fire and smoke event influenced students' academic outcomes. The academic results for 303 students (aged 7.8-16.2 years) were accessed and students completed the Children's Revised Impact of Events Scale to measure their level of distress resulting from the mine fire. The longitudinal analysis found that secondary students, who attended schools in the town most exposed to particulate matter from the mine fire, experienced an 18.5-month delay in academic progress (95% CI [13.6, 23.5]) after the mine fire, relative to the wider area. No evidence was found in academic delays related to exposure to the mine fire among primary school students. There was also no evidence of additional delays in academic progress for students with higher levels of event-related distress. Schools should monitor and provide academic support to students to protect them against academic decline after a disaster. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 26-10-2011
Publisher: Emerald
Date: 11-05-2015
DOI: 10.1108/JMHTEP-10-2014-0033
Abstract: – The Gippsland Mental Health Vacation School program has been shown to positively change student participants’ interest and attitudes to living and working in a rural area. A range of factors are impacting on the future viability of the initiative including: limitations on the number of student participants, the reusability of content, staffing, time pressures, a dwindling funding base, and a drop-off in interest in living and working in a rural setting. The paper aims to discuss these issues. – A three-phase Delphi Study was employed to engage with expert knowledge of the program’s key stakeholder groups (student participants and service provider staff) in order to inform the initial steps of shifting the program toward a blended model, distributed across space and time. – The results suggest that: first, the current mode of delivery, a week-long intensive face-to-face format, should be transitioned to a more sustainable blended learning approach that includes both on-line content and an in situ component and second, trailing the use of social media as a mechanism to maintain student interest in rural mental health work following the vacation school. – This study highlights how the transition to a sustainable approach to the delivery of a novel rural mental health workforce recruitment strategy was informed through a three-phase Delphi Study that involved the key stakeholders (groups of student participants and service provider staff). The study has important implications for addressing the shortage of mental health practitioners in rural areas. It will and be of interest to educators, administrators, researchers and bureaucrats.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 24-07-2019
Abstract: ne in 5 young people grow up in a family where one parent has experienced a mental health problem or substance use concern. Compared with their same-aged peers, these youth are at a higher risk of academic failure and acquiring a substance abuse and/or mental health issue. There is a paucity of accessible, age-appropriate interventions that address their needs. 6-week, web-based intervention, “mental illness: supported, preventative, online, targeted” (mi.spot), was developed based on previous research and the competence enhancement model. This paper describes the protocol for a randomized controlled trial and details how the usage, safety, acceptability, and feasibility of the intervention will be determined. articipants will be recruited through social media and clinician referral. A total of 70 Australians, aged 18 to 25 years, who grew up with parents with a mental illness or substance use concern will participate in a 2-arm parallel randomized controlled trial. The assessment will consist of a baseline measurement and 2 follow-up periods, posttest and 6-week follow-up, using the Mental Health Continuum short form the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced inventory the General Help Seeking Questionnaire the Social Connectedness Scale the Mental Health Literacy Scale the General Self-Efficacy Scale and the Attribution of Responsibility for Parental Mental Illness Measure. Impact will be examined at pre, post, and follow-up time periods using analyses of variance that will include a within-subjects factor (time) and a between-subjects factor (intervention/control). Facilitator interviews will ascertain intervention feasibility. Participant interviews will ascertain intervention acceptability. Interview data will be analyzed within a qualitative framework. Usage (data analytics) across site features and several indicators of clinical safety will also be reported. he impact of mi.spot will be examined at pre, post, and follow-up time periods using analyses of variance on each of the measures outlined above. There will be a within-subjects factor (time) and a between-subjects factor (intervention/control). Data analysis will employ the intention-to-treat principle by including all participants in the analyses. Qualitative interview data will be analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis along with respondent validation. The Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (reference number: 2019-18660-30434) approved the trial on April 17, 2019. As of October 2, 2019, 30 participants were enrolled in the control group and 34 participants were enrolled in the intervention group. Result are expected to be submitted for publication in December 2020. tudy results will provide reliable evidence on a web-based intervention that has the potential to make a difference to the lives of many vulnerable young adults. Implementation guidelines are needed to embed the intervention in different service sectors. ustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12619000335190 anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12619000335190 ERR1-10.2196/15626
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 02-04-2016
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-2015
DOI: 10.1111/CP.12050
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 03-07-2015
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 16-02-2018
Abstract: oung people who have a parent with a mental illness face elevated risks to their mental health and well-being. However, they may not have access to appropriate interventions. Web-based interventions may reach and meet the needs of this at-risk group, yet their preferences regarding the features of this medium are unknown. his study sought to determine the utility of a Web-based intervention to meet the needs of young people who have a parent with a mental illness and their perspectives regarding the types of features of such a website. systematic, 2-round Delphi study was employed to solicit the views of 282 young people aged 16 to 21 years (Round 1, n=14 Round 2, n=268) from urban and regional settings in Australia who self-reported that their parent has a mental illness. “Regional” was used to refer to nonurban participants in the study. After ascertaining whether a Web-based intervention was warranted, Web-based intervention features were identified, including how the site might be facilitated, topics, duration and frequency, and the nature of the professional contact. The extent to which young people agreed on the importance of these factors was assessed. Differences and similarities across gender and location were investigated. A mixed method analytic framework was employed using thematic analysis as well as 2-way between-groups analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) controlling for age and chi-square test of independence analysis. oth rounds highlighted a strong preference for a Web-based intervention. Consensus was reached for a professionally monitored site, young people and professionals having equal input into the weekly facilitated sessions (eg, sharing the lead role in discussions or deciding on relevant session content), unlimited time access, 1-hour, open discussion, weekly sessions over 6 weeks, psychoeducation about mental illness, and considerations for the management of safety violations. There were significant main effects of location type and several of the preferred features for a Web-based intervention for young people who have a parent with a mental illness. However, effect sizes were small to moderate, limiting practical application. oung people aged 16 to 21 years indicated a need for a professionally monitored, psychoeducational, Web-based intervention, with input from professional facilitators and other young people who have a parent with a mental illness, in addition to recommendations to external resources. These findings may inform the development of future Web-based interventions for this highly vulnerable group.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-10-2009
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2850.2009.01456.X
Abstract: Many consumers of psychiatric services are parents, making these services the opportunistic point for supporting consumers' children. While evidence suggests that assisting such children improves their mental health, there is a large gulf between what psychiatric services should (or could) provide and what they do in practice. This paper summarizes the constraining barriers and issues for the psychiatric workforce according to: (1) policy and management (2) interagency collaboration (3) worker attitude,skill and knowledge (4) the parent-consumer and (5) the consumer's family, including children. Potential solutions are presented, with a particular focus on the hierarchical nature of these barriers. Recommendations are made, including organizational audits to identify the most pressing barriers that impede family sensitive practice.
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Date: 2009
DOI: 10.2975/33.2.2009.125.132
Abstract: The aim of this study was to provide a "snapshot" of Australian programs targeting children and adolescents whose parents have a mental illness (COPMI). Specifically we aimed to (i) identify the aims and strategies of COPMI programs, (ii) ascertain the theoretical basis of these programs, (iii) determine the level and quality of evaluation protocols implemented, and (iv) draw on the practice wisdom of program facilitators for future program development. Eighteen program facilitators responsible for 26 programs were identified through COPMI websites, e-discussion lists and snowball recruiting and invited to participate in a one hour interview based on the above four aims. Transcripts were qualitatively analyzed. Many COPMI programs target children aged between 8-13 who exhibit no psychological problems and live in urban areas. Overall, program facilitators aim to create opportunities for peer interaction, enhance coping, self-esteem, understanding of mental illness and offer respite from caring. Interventions are primarily supportive and preventative. While most programs are evaluated, measures on the whole are not standardized and/or gauge children's satisfaction of the program. Program facilitators require greater support, resources and training when evaluating COPMI programs. Program goals provide an indication of the evaluation measures required.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-05-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-03-2014
DOI: 10.1111/JPM.12149
Abstract: Even though employing a family-sensitive approach has been shown to be beneficial for parents and children, there is sporadic uptake of this approach. This paper focuses on practitioners' perspectives when working with families where a parent, with dependent children, has a mental illness and/or substance abuse disorder. The aim of this research is twofold: (1) identify the issues practitioners face when working with families with complex needs and (2) present the strategies they find to be effective in addressing family needs. Within the context of an organization that supported a family-sensitive approach, this study reports on 21 semi-structured interviews conducted over 15 months with 10 practitioners, as well as three focus group interviews with the same staff. Employing a qualitative framework, data highlighted the multifaceted nature of family problems, issues working with multiple agencies and problems associated with staff turnover. Successful strategies included working with the family on clearly defined and negotiated goals, focusing on family strengths and employing specific skills such as managing the sometimes competing needs of children and parents.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-05-2012
DOI: 10.1111/J.1447-0349.2011.00809.X
Abstract: This paper describes the perceptions of Aboriginal stakeholders as well as mental health personnel on improving Aboriginal men's access to mental health services. From January 2009 to June 2010, 23 semi-structured interviews and three focus groups were conducted with 17 Aboriginal stakeholders and 29 mental health staff from a regional mental health service in Victoria. A qualitative description design was adopted and data were analysed thematically. Seven themes emerged from the data. Three themes focused on the mismatch between mainstream mental health service provision and the mental health needs of Aboriginal men. They include barriers to gaining entry into services, barriers to engagement with services, and staffing problems in the services. The remaining four themes related to possible solutions to improving men's access to services and included building men's confidence in services, developing relationships with the Aboriginal Community, enhancing flexibility of services, and strengthening the role of the Koori Mental Health Liaison Officer. The dual perspectives of Aboriginal stakeholders and service providers provide a more comprehensive picture of the ground realities concerning Aboriginal men's access to mental health services. The findings have implications for the provision of culturally sensitive mental health services for Aboriginal men.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2012
DOI: 10.1071/AH11003
Abstract: This paper reports on preliminary findings of a novel program piloted in 2010 to address rural mental health workforce shortages. The program involved exposing allied health and nursing students from rural backgrounds studying in Melbourne to mental health service employment opportunities in Gippsland. A longitudinal study is underway to evaluate the effect and outcomes of the program and includes surveying participants’ interest in rural mental health work through an online questionnaire immediately prior to and following the program and surveying career decisions at 6 months and yearly intervals. Paired s le t-tests were used to analyse participants’ level of interest in rural work (pre-event 4.67 (1.50) post-event 5.93 (0.96) P = 0.001), career in a rural setting (pre-event 4.67 (1.63) post-event 5.67 (1.23) P = 0.006), mental health work (pre-event 4.73 (1.39) post-event 6.07 (0.80) P 0.000) and rural mental health career (pre-event 4.73 (1.33) post-event 5.80 (1.21) P = 0.002). These findings indicate a significant increase from pre- to post-event and are supported by strong effect sizes suggesting that the program had a significant effect on participant interest in rural mental health work. Longer-term evaluation will determine whether the program influences participant career decisions and thereby addressing mental health workforce shortages in Gippsland. What is known about the topic? Despite the ongoing challenges that regional and rural mental health services face recruiting and retaining mental health professionals, there is a lack of evidence available to inform rural mental health workforce recruitment strategies. What does this paper add? This paper describes a novel recruitment initiative and preliminary data from a longitudinal evaluation program. The initiative targets allied health and nursing students with rural backgrounds who are studying at a large urban centre (Melbourne). What are the implications for practitioners? This study provides a potentially successful recruiting tool for mental health sector policy-makers and managers which will be evaluated over the long-term.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-08-2014
DOI: 10.1007/S00520-013-1935-Z
Abstract: This study aims to determine the principal component structure of the Parental Cancer Questionnaire (PCQ) in a s le of adult children whose parents had cancer and to illustrate the validity and reliability of subscales. The PCQ was administered to 311 adult children of parents with cancer along with the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, Carer's Assessment of Difficulties Scale, Carer's Assessment of Satisfactions Scale, Reaction to Diagnosis of Cancer Questionnaire, and the Grief Diagnostic Instrument. Exploratory Principal Components Analysis identified three dimensions of the parental cancer experience (explaining 51 % of the variance amongst scale items). The components were parental cancer benefits (e.g. 'I became closer to my sick parent during his/her cancer.'), emotional experiences (e.g. 'I was devastated by my parent's cancer.'), and caregiver strain (e.g. 'I feel/felt there was nobody to assist or support me in caring for my parent.'). Convergent and discriminant validity were demonstrated by meaningful correlations with other related measures (ranging from 0.14 to 0.68), and strong internal reliability was shown with Cronbach α between 0.87 and 0.91. The PCQ has a clear three-component structure and demonstrates good reliability. The measure has excellent face, content, convergent, and discriminant validity, indicating a structure suitable for use in future research. The measure appears to be a useful measure of the experience of parental cancer for adult children.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 22-09-2014
DOI: 10.3109/09638237.2014.951476
Abstract: People with mental illness and substance use problems form a significant subgroup of the homeless population. International research has begun to document the complex experiences of this vulnerable group however, less attention has focused on those living in rural areas. This study sought to determine the experiences of people with mental illness and/or substance use issues, experiencing significant housing problems in rural areas. Within a qualitative framework, in idual interviews were conducted with 40 respondents in Australia. Themes generated a discussion around three main areas (1) current housing problems, (2) pathways into unsuitable housing, and (3) factors contributing to appropriate accommodation. The need for agency staff to identify and assist with the housing issues of their clients is underscored.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 22-11-2010
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2850.2010.01660.X
Abstract: Parents with a mental illness experience the same parenting stressors that other parents do, and at the same time need to manage their mental illness. However, few programmes are designed for parents who have a mental illness, with older children (as opposed to interventions for mothers with infants). This study identified the common components across six programmes developed for parents with a mental illness who have older children. Australian clinicians, responsible for six parenting programmes for those with a mental illness, participated in in idual, semi-structured interviews, during 2008. Programme manuals and evaluation reports were also sourced. Analyses involved thematic analysis, inter-rater reliability and respondent validation. Data were organized in three main areas: (1) programme description (format, goals, length and participants' inclusion criteria) (2) theoretical framework (including clinicians' beliefs and evidence underpinning programmes) and (3) evaluation designs and methodologies. It was found that clinicians facilitated education and support via a peer intervention model for parents with various mental illness diagnoses, responsive to the needs of parents and in a time flexible manner. At the same time, clinicians found it difficult to articulate the theoretical framework of their programmes and employed mostly simplistic evaluation strategies.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 02-09-2012
Abstract: Cancer is a disease that affects the entire family, with each member having unique psychological needs. To date, there has been limited research into the effect of parental cancer on adult children. Furthermore, existing research has largely overlooked the possibility of positive psychological growth in the adult offspring of cancer patients. To investigate the perceived benefits arising from parental cancer, 11 interviews were undertaken with adults whose parents had been diagnosed with cancer, to discuss their experiences of their parent’s illness, and their evaluation of both the positive and negative changes that had arisen. All participants were able to identify positive outcomes in direct response to their parent’s cancer. Frequently suggested changes included improved relationships with their sick parent, an increased emphasis on family, revised life priorities, and personal development. The implications of these findings, their link to posttraumatic growth theory, and avenues for future research are discussed.
Publisher: IGI Global
Date: 2010
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60566-874-1.CH013
Abstract: Research on higher education distance education tends to focus on the technical aspects of distance teaching, with little focus on the personal components of teaching and learning. In this chapter, students are interviewed to identify whether they want a personal presence from their lecturers and if so, what this presence might look like in distance education. Conversely, lecturers are interviewed to determine what they personally bring of themselves when teaching in distance mode. Results indicate that many, but not all, distance students want their lecturers to be passionate about their subject, form relationships and be open and available. However, there were some students, albeit a minority, who wanted to focus solely on the subject. Other students were clear that even though they valued lecturers’ personal revelations, these needed to be directly related to subject materials. Similarly, distance lecturers suggest that while they do reveal aspects of their personality there are also boundaries as to how much they ‘give’ of themselves. A case study is presented that extends this discussion and provides one approach, through the use of technology, for taking the ‘distance’ out of distance teaching.
Publisher: AMPCo
Date: 16-04-2012
DOI: 10.5694/MJAO11.11200
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 28-08-2015
DOI: 10.3109/09638237.2014.998803
Abstract: Many patients who present to primary care settings with mental health concerns are parents with dependent children. However, little is known about the family-focused practices of these clinicians. To identify the family-focused practices of a group of primary care clinicians. A sequential mixed methodology was employed 21 primary care clinicians completed the Family Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire and then participated in one of three focus groups. Primary care clinicians do not commonly engage with patients about family issues though many acknowledged that family-focused practice was important. Some questioned whether being family focused was part of their role with other barriers related to funding. Most expressed a need for training, though some indicated that they would not engage in a family-focused manner nor be trained in this approach, unless it was compulsory. The study highlights the missed opportunity for family-focused practices in primary care settings. This study demonstrates the need for an "authorising" environment in which family-focused practices are not only supported but expected.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 21-11-2019
DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2019.1695523
Abstract: This study assessed the psychological impacts of six weeks of smoke exposure from the 2014 Hazelwood open-cut coalmine fire in the Latrobe Valley, Victoria, Australia, between two and three years after the incident. Design Morwell residents scored significantly higher on the Impact of Event Scale - Revised (difference = 6.53 95%CI: 5.37, 7.35, The elevated psychological distress apparent within the Morwell community over two years after an extended pollution event highlights the need to improve post-incident recovery responses to such events, particularly for supporting residents that are more vulnerable.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 30-05-2011
DOI: 10.1111/J.1365-2850.2011.01750.X
Abstract: In this paper, a programme to train mental health promotion workers in programme evaluation is described and evaluated. The programme is based on adult learning values, guidelines for programme evaluation training and the general principles of mental health promotion. Facilitated over 2 days, the programme also provided in idual mentoring. Training was evaluated via a questionnaire immediately before and post training, and 6 months post training (n = 28, n = 18, n = 18). Additionally, in idual interviews were used with seven participants and qualitatively analysed. Results indicate significant and sustained positive changes in knowledge, confidence and behaviour and while satisfaction reduced significantly at the six month follow-up, participants' level of satisfaction towards mentoring was consistent. Post training, participants reported a greater appreciation of the importance of evaluation planning and working collaboratively.
Start Date: 09-2016
End Date: 09-2019
Amount: $140,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 12-2019
End Date: 06-2024
Amount: $317,509.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity