Search

Objectives:: The study describes the implementation and adaptation of a brief intervention model as routine clinical practice in an acute care service.Methods:: An action research process informed the evaluation and design of the intervention.Results:: The model's theoretical framework enhanced clinical practice and benefited consumers, though it was too rigid to be implemented in an acute care setting, so was adapted to suit this environment.Conclusions:: This paper highlights the value in realigning practice with fundamental engagement principles to improve practice outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Demand for places in postgraduate psychiatry training programmes has increased over recent years. All systems have capacity limits, and concerns have been raised regarding the sustainability of the current intake. This paper presents a modelling exercise to exploring the presence and strategies to resolve bottleneck in the Queensland training programme. Methods: Mathematical modelling based on the RANZCP training regulations and the characteristics of the accredited training programme. Results: A training bottleneck was identified which has been impacted by increased training intake, demand for Advanced Training certificates, and location factors. Conclusions: This investigation raises important questions regarding the future management of postgraduate training in psychiatry in Queensland that may be applicable more widely across Australia and New Zealand. In particular, it highlights the large impact that can result from even small incremental increases in trainees across varying levels of the postgraduate programme and the importance of limiting trainee intake in a manner proportional to the availability of mandatory terms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the processes undertaken to maximise cultural competence in a complex research project and illustrate how this enhanced the quality of the research and impact of the research outcomes.Methods: An epidemiological survey of the mental health of Indigenous people in custody in Queensland was conducted using culturally informed research processes.Results: The research process that enhanced cultural competence is described. The research outcomes were positive in terms of participant and community experiences, participation rates, publications and other research outputs, capacity building and translation of research findings.Conclusions: This paper describes in practical terms how to conduct culturally informed research and how this approach enhanced the scientific rigour of a complex Indigenous health research project. Indigenous health research should be conducted using a culturally competent method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of the current paper is to analyse time trends of non-fatal suicidal behaviour (NFSB) and its repetition at the Gold Coast in 2005-2015. Methods Data on presentations for NFSB were obtained from the Emergency Department (ED) Information System. Potential cases were identified through keyword searches, which were further scrutinised and coded. Annual person-based age-standardised rates for NFSB were calculated. Chi-square test, Poisson regression and Cox proportional hazards regression were used.Results: There was a significant increase in the age-standardised rates of NFSB for males (incidence Rate Ratio = 1.05; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-1.07) and females (iRR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.04-1.07). Age-specific rates showed significant increases for all age groups, except 25-34 and 55+ for females. Different types of poisoning were the predominant method of NFSB (poisoning only - 61.7% of episodes), followed by cutting (23%). Within the first year after the index episode, 13.4% of subjects repeated NFSB. Multivariate Cox regression model showed that sex, age and method predicted repetition.Conclusion: The increasing trends of NFSB and relatively high repetition rates emphasise the need for preventative actions. Monitoring of NFSB at the ED level should be further extended in Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe the development of the first Australian psychiatric emergency centre co-located with the Emergency Department at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital. This paper covers the current operational model, significant partnerships and benefits of this service, which assesses and treats over 7200 presentations per year. Conclusions: The co-location of the Psychiatric Emergency Centre and Emergency Department has created a unique model of service delivery and effective working relationships between the two services. The model improves clinical care providing multiple benefits for patients and the Emergency Department by means of direct access to specialized mental health staff, early mental health responsibility for patients and reduced access block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe an online essay-style examination preparation group. Methods: The process of the establishment – including recruitment, rules and characteristics – of 'Stranger than Fiction' is outlined. Results: Over the 10-week period, 66 essays were submitted, and 40 essays were marked. Sixteen out of 30 registered candidates submitted at least one essay, and 11 out of 17 registered markers marked at least one essay. Conclusion: 'Stranger than Fiction' is a novel approach to create a supportive environment where trainees are given opportunities to practise critical essay questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper describes the background to, implementation of and evaluation challenges associated with an innovative, arts-based, wellbeing and mental health recovery project in a remote Indigenous setting. Results: Creative Recovery is a community-based arts initiative for Indigenous people with mental health problems. It has been rolled out as a pilot project in a remote Cape York community and is aimed at promoting wellbeing and recovery. The theoretical basis for the initiative is modelled on ideas of the role that social capital plays in improving mental health. This involves both the beneficial impact community participation and the social cohesion it creates can have, not only on an individual's mental health, but also on the social and emotional wellbeing of the communities they are part of. Such initiatives have already been adopted as an integral part of mental health promotion in countries such as the UK, and in other Australian states such as Victoria and Western Australia. The following paper will locate Creative Recovery in the current field of mental health promotion theory and Indigenous social and emotional wellbeing, and will discuss some of the evidence for and challenges inherent in adopting such initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper describes my experience as a psychiatric registrar working with indigenous communities in a remote setting in Far North Queensland. Conclusions: Working in a remote environment provided an insight into how to engage culturally diverse Indigenous communities and an invaluable training experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this paper is to analyse the reasons for a major increase in expenditure on inpatient pharmaceutical costs over a two year period and to describe strategies developed to prevent further increases. Conclusions: By educating our medical staff on the costs of the most commonly prescribed medications and favouring cost effective medications such as risperidone over olanzapine we have been able to contain our inpatient drug costs and achieve a 14% reduction this financial year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Estimate impact of socioeconomic factors and remoteness from tertiary hospital on incidence/duration of Australian mental health admissions. Methods: Retrospective analysis of incidence/duration of public mental health unit admissions (2018–19). Covariates included Indigenous population, potentially preventable hospitalisations (PPH) and socioeconomic disadvantage. Results: Regional distance from hospital was correlated with socioeconomic disadvantage (ρ : p < 0.01). Population identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander was associated with distance from hospital, socioeconomic disadvantage and PPH (ρ : p < 0.01). Bed days per capita was explained (R 2adj: 0.48) by distance and socioeconomic disadvantage (p < 0.0001). A 1% increase in distance from hospital was associated with a 0.37% decrease in per capita bed days. Admission rate per capita across Queensland and WA was explained (R 2adj: 0.36) by distance, education/occupation and state (p < 0.05). Across Queensland and WA a 1% increase in distance from hospital was associated with a 0.05% decreased incidence of admission. Conclusions: Rural Australians face high mental illness burden, socioeconomic disadvantage and limited service provision. Overcoming the additional disadvantages of reduced likelihood of admission to and reduced time in hospital with increasing distance from hospital will require increased outreach proportional to remoteness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This paper describes the development of a collaborative group of mental health clinicians who have come together to improve practice in adult acute mental health settings for the inpatient management of schizophrenia. Method: Sixteen acute adult mental health inpatient services across Queensland worked together to develop clinical indicators related to the inpatient treatment of schizophrenia. Data collection was conducted by using information available on existing databases and through statewide chart audits using scannable form technology. Through a secure intranet site, and statewide forums, clinicians were able to access information on clinical indicators enabling them to compare their site data to peer and state data. Results: Available data from 15 of the 16 sites provided information on clinical indicators including average length of stay, 28-day readmission rates, antipsychotic prescribing, medication dose and the use of multiple antipsychotic medications at discharge. Conclusions: The formation of the Mental Health Clinical Collaborative has brought together clinicians across the State to develop clinical indicators and openly discuss ideas to inform and improve clinical practice. This process has been effective in improving the quality of routinely collected information across the State and in engaging clinicians in using health information to drive clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this paper is to describe the Eating Disorders Outreach Service (EDOS), which supports clinicians in the treatment and management of eating disorder patients across Queensland. EDOS’s mandate is to facilitate intake to the specialist inpatient and outpatient services at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) and to provide eating disorders education and consultation liaison to clinicians statewide. Method: EDOS provides services in four key areas: intake facilitation, service development, education and training, and consultation liaison. Each area is described in detail. Results: EDOS has grown since its inception to currently comprise a full-time team manager and a number of specialist clinician positions in psychiatry, nursing, dietetics, social work and psychology. The Service has become an integral part of the RBWH Adult Eating Disorders Service, providing statewide assessment and treatment recommendations, consultation liaison services and specialist intervention programs. Conclusions: EDOS has been successful in facilitating patient access to local general medical and psychiatric facilities. EDOS also plays a significant leadership role in the development of effective statewide networking forums for clinicians and key stakeholders, in inservice delivery and in the provision of evidence-based educational opportunities, each of which has contributed to improved access to services for eating disorder patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Reductions in suicidal and self-harm presentations to emergency departments (EDs) since COVID-19 indicate changes in help-seeking behaviours, but it is unknown if hospital avoidance equally affects all population groups.Method: Socio-demographic and clinical information relating to suicidal and self-harm presentations to EDs in Queensland, Australia, were compared for the period before (March-August 2019) and since the COVID-19 outbreak (March-August 2020).Results: Since COVID, Indigenous Australians and persons with less severe suicidal and self-harm presentations had significantly reduced presentations, while persons younger than 18 years had more presentations. Less suicidal presentations resulted in an admission to inpatient care.Conclusions: Patterns of reduced attendance to ED in some groups suggest the need for innovative and community-based models of care to help prevent suicides during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Private practice psychiatry in Australia was largely office-based until the Commonwealth Government introduced new psychiatrist Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) telehealth items in response to the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigate the uptake of (1) video and telephone telehealth consultations in April–May 2020, and (2) the overall changing rates of consultation, i.e. total telehealth and in-person consultations across the larger states of Australia. Method: MBS item service data were extracted for COVID-19 psychiatrist video- and telephone-telehealth item numbers and compared with a baseline of the 2018−2019-financial-year monthly average of in-person consultations for New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia. Results: Total psychiatry consultations (telehealth and in-person) rose during the first wave of the pandemic by 10%−20% compared to the previous year. The majority of private practice was conducted by telehealth in April but was lower in May as new COVID-19 case rates fell. Most telehealth provision was by telephone for short consultations of ⩽15−30 min. Video consultations increased from April into May. Conclusions: For large states, there has been a rapid adoption of the MBS telehealth psychiatrist items, followed by a trend back to face-to-face as COVID-19 new case rates reduced. There was an overall increased consultation rate (in-person plus telehealth) for April−May 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine the relationship between a regional economic downturn (indicated by the rise of population unemployment rate) and the rate of psychoactive-substance-induced psychiatric hospital admissions in the population in a rural/regional setting.Methods: Hospital admission records from January 2013 to December 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. All patients with admissions to the Mackay inpatient psychiatric unit with diagnosis of mental and behavioural disorders due to psychoactive substance use were recorded using (ICD-10) F10-F19 codes. The relationship between the regional unemployment rate and the hospital admission rate was analysed using linear regression analysis.Results: A statistically significant regression was found (F(1,46) = 39.46, p < 0.0001), R2 = 0.46). The predicted number of admissions per 100,000 population in a month was observed to increase on average by 3.13 per month (95% CI = 2.12-4.13, p < 0.0001) for each percentage increase in the regional unemployment rate.Conclusions: There was a statistically significant association between the population unemployment rate and the rate of substance induced psychiatric hospital admissions. Implications for regional Australian service provision and unmet needs were discussed. Further research is required to confirm this observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This paper describes the challenges in implementing an innovative arts-based mental health project in a remote Indigenous community. Method: The author (the Art Centre Manager) presents a personal narrative of the development of the Aurukun Creative Livelihoods project. Results: A partnership between an existing arts and mental health project (Creative Recovery) and the Wik and Kugu Arts and Craft Centre is described. This collaboration aims to enhance the emotional and social wellbeing of vulnerable Aboriginal people in a remote Indigenous community in Cape York - Aurukun. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Australian Government has provided $20 million to establish the Population Health Research Network (PHRN), with representation from all States and Territories to facilitate population health research through data linkage. Health LinQ is part of the Queensland node involving four Queensland universities, Queensland Health and the Australian e-Health Research Centre. Method: This paper reviews the potential for using administrative databases to study the mental health experience of Indigenous Queenslanders. Researchers can define cohorts for study within the administrative data or link them to their own data. Robust protocols preserve confidentiality so that researchers only receive anonymized data. Indigenous status can be defined either through place of residence or through the recording of Indigenous status in datasets such as the Queensland Hospital Admitted Patient Data Collection. Results: Available data include hospital morbidity, mental health data and mortality. Indigenous status is correctly identified in about 89% of cases with variation by definition used. Conclusions: Administrative data provide researchers and decision makers with accessible, cost-effective information without the intrusion and cost of additional data collection. These techniques are especially useful in studying regional, rural and remote populations where access may be difficult. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this paper is to overview the history, structure and activities of the Queensland Mental Health Review Tribunal in relation to Indigenous patients. Results: The Mental Health Review Tribunal is an independent statutory body established under the Mental Health Act 2000 (MHA2000) to safeguard the rights of patients receiving involuntary treatment under the Queensland MHA2000. In the period from when the Tribunal commenced in 2002 to end of June 2008, people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background represent 2.3% of all patient registrations with the Tribunal. The Tribunal has established a range of strategies to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients to attend and participate in their hearing. This includes widening the Tribunal's body of knowledge, strategies to inform patients about the Tribunal, culturally sensitive hearing practices, and widening the circle of participation in the hearing. Conclusions The future direction for the Tribunal in this strategy will be influenced by more formal evaluation of the outcomes and by further development of a model for the provision of cultural advice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Art therapy encompasses both preventative and curative activities and aims to improve ways of engaging those who might be reticent in seeking more traditional forms of psychological support offered through ‘talking therapies’. The Longreach base of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Queensland provides mental health support to people living in rural and remote locations in central western Queensland and has been complemented since 2006 by the addition of a full-time art therapist. This paper provides an overview of art therapy and a description of this innovative approach to addressing mental health needs in a rural and remote setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This project focuses upon the use of jam2jam, a generative computer system, to increase access to improvization experiences for children and to facilitate new kinds of relationships with artists. The network jamming system uses visual and audio cultural materials to enable communities to be expressive with artistic materials that they value as a community. As the system is part of a network, performances can be shared between communities at great distances and recordings of performances can be uploaded to a digital social network () and shared both locally and with the wider community. This paper examines a preliminary project where artwork made by Indigenous mental health clients in Far North Queensland was digitized and given to a group of 8–12-year-old urban Indigenous children to ‘improvize’ with and make music/video clips using the jam2jam instrument. It seeks to generate a discussion and identify applications within creative arts-led community health settings to facilitate new kinds of relationships with self, peers, local community, culture and artists through collaborative improvization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This paper provides an example of a mental health research partnership underpinned by empowerment principles that seeks to foster strength among community organizations to support better outcomes for consumers, families and communities. It aims to raise awareness among researchers and service providers that empowerment approaches to assist communities to address mental health problems are not too difficult to be practical but require long-term commitment and appropriate support. Methods: A collaborative research strategy that has become known as the Priority Driven Research (PDR) Partnership emerged through literature review, consultations, Family Wellbeing Program delivery with community groups and activities in two discrete Indigenous communities. Progress to date on three of the four components of the strategy is described. Results: The following key needs were identified in a pilot study and are now being addressed in a research-based implementation phase: (i) gaining two-way understanding of perspectives on mental health and promoting universal awareness; (ii) supporting the empowerment of carers, families, consumers and at-risk groups through existing community organizations to gain greater understanding and control of their situation; (iii) developing pathways of care at the primary health centre level to enable support of social and emotional wellbeing as well as more integrated mental health care; (iv) accessing data to enable an ongoing process of analysis/sharing/planning and monitoring to inform future activity. Conclusion: One of the key learnings to emerge in this project so far is that empowerment through partnership becomes possible when there is a concerted effort to strengthen grassroots community organizations. These include social health teams and men's and women's groups that can engage local people in an action orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its association with clinical, demographic and lifestyle factors in patients with mental illness participating in residential rehabilitation.Methods: A physical health audit of all consumers ( n = 364) in publicly funded residential rehabilitation programs in Queensland was carried out in late 2016. Data collection focused on clinical, demographic and lifestyle factors associated with physical health.Results: Central obesity was identified in 80% of males and 89% of females and half of the patients (49.4%) met criteria for metabolic syndrome (MetS). The prevalence of MetS in Indigenous patients (66.1%) was 20% higher than the rate found in non-Indigenous patients (46.1%). Smoking, substance abuse, gender, Indigenous background, length of stay and rarely eating fruit and vegetables were individually associated with MetS.Conclusions: The prevalence of MetS in this cohort is almost double that of the general population, while the rate in Indigenous patients is among the highest reported for those with mental illness. Rehabilitation staff are encouraged to engage more fully in the monitoring of physical health status, sharing this information with consumers and primary care providers, and encouraging consumers to play a greater role in managing their physical health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore attitudes and decision-making by pregnant women regarding antidepressant and anxiolytic use during pregnancy.Method: An observational study at an outer metropolitan hospital in Brisbane, Queensland. Pregnant women presenting for their first antenatal clinic visit were invited to complete a questionnaire. Participants were asked about current or previous antidepressant/anxiolytic use, influences on drug decision-making and the adequacy of information received. Perceptions were measured on a 7-point Likert scale.Results: A total of 503 pregnant women were surveyed. The background prevalence of anxiety and depression was 30.0% (151), with 9.3% (47) respondents using antidepressant or anxiolytic medications during the current pregnancy. Of these 47 women, 68% ceased these medications during or while trying to become pregnant, most commonly due to potential side effects to the baby (16), health professional advice (8) and symptomatology that was under control (7). While the effect was modest, decision-making was most strongly influenced by general practitioners, family and the internet.Conclusions: Most women cease antidepressant/anxiolytic medication before and during pregnancy for reasons other than stability of condition. This study reveals an unmet need for accessible reliable information to guide pregnant women and their care providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study describes the impact of Motivational Aftercare Planning (MAP) - an intervention to increase consumer/clinician collaboration on the content of mental health recovery plans. The intervention focussed on enhancing existing discharge processes in psychiatric inpatient wards and supporting nursing staff in using motivational interviewing techniques to facilitate the completion of these plans.Methods: We conducted a qualitative thematic content analysis of the recovery plans completed throughout the study ( n = 110). Chi-squared tests were then used to compare the occurrence of themes and content identified in recovery plans pre and post the intervention ( n = 55).Results: The thematic content of the recovery plans shifted in focus following the intervention, with a change from third to first person language. Those completed prior to the intervention generally mentioned: decreasing symptoms of mental illness; acceptance of the illness; achieving clinical stability; risk management and treatment compliance. The recovery plans completed after the intervention focussed on: general wellness; participate in meaningful activities; community life; social roles and connections with others.Conclusions: This study demonstrated that a simple time-limited, facilitated intervention resulted in a change of thematic content in recovery plans. The use of these plans and its effect on care planning will need further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to consider the collaboration between mental health services and police in Queensland.Conclusion: Queensland has developed a number of initiatives for intervention and response to incidents involving police and persons with mental illness. Future research should focus on identifying interventions that promote effective resolution of incidents involving police. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to inform planning for similar events, our aim was to describe planning undertaken by Brisbane Mental Health Services for the 2014 G20 Summit and the impact of the Summit on service use.Methods: We analysed routinely collected service data comparing presentations and discharges for the same time period in two consecutive years.Results: While presentations to mental health services increased from the previous year across a five-month period (including the month of G20), the week of the G20 Summit showed little change.Conclusions: Our findings will be useful to other services that prepare for major events, such as G20. Our experience shows that, with detailed planning and extra resources, the G20 Summit passed without any major mental health incidents or major increase for mental health presentations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the general council meeting of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists held in Brisbane, Queensland from April 26 to 27, 2002. Policy directions for college; Strategic issues; College, financial and professional affairs.

The article focuses on a study which explores the growth of a regionally-based mental health personnel offering services to remote Indigenous communities in north Queensland. It presents several factors that support the development and sustained capacity of integrated mental health groups. An overview of the concept of remote area mental health service is provided.

Ross is a mental health patient representative based in Cairns and has been a member of the Cairns CAG for the past eight years. He has played a significant role in the development of consumer participation in Cairns and at a state level. Ross has sat on a range of committees as a consumer representative and has worked as an accreditor with the Institute of Healthy Communities Australia. Currently he sits on the management committee of the Queensland Voice for Mental Health. Ross was a founding member of the Irukandji Pens writers group, based at the Cairns Mental Health Resource Service. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This case study describes the efforts of an Aboriginal men's group to facilitate and support the empowerment of young people in their community. It is part of a broader participatory action research (PAR) study of men's groups. Method: Data was derived from quarterly reflective PAR sessions with men's and youth workers and steering committee members, interviews with workers, and focus groups with young people. The data was coded and categorized, with five themes identified. Results: Key opportunities and challenges related to building staff capacity, engaging young people, giving voice to young people and reconciling diverse community views. Emerging outcomes included young people's definition of vision and values, social cohesion, personal achievements and recognition. The youth projects also resulted in local employment, improvements in workforce capacity and proposals to extend the empowerment model in Yarrabah and transfer it to another community. Conclusion: PAR frameworks provide a useful tool for facilitating and sustaining empowerment outcomes. They can be used to support the transfer of knowledge and skills from one Aboriginal community group to another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A needs analysis was undertaken to determine the quality and effectiveness of mental health services to Indigenous consumers within a health district of Southern Queensland. The study focussed on identifying gaps in the service provision for Indigenous consumers. Tools and methodologies were developed to achieve this. Method: Data were collected through the distribution of questionnaires to the target populations: district health service staff and Indigenous consumers. Questionnaires were developed through consultation with the community and the Steering Committee in order to achieve culturally appropriate wording. Of prime importance was the adaptation of questionnaire language so it would be fully understood by Indigenous consumers. Both questionnaires were designed to provide a balanced perspective of current mental health service needs for Indigenous people within the mental health service. Results: Results suggest that existing mental health services do not adequately meet the needs of Indigenous people. Conclusions: Recommendations arising from this study indicate a need for better communication and genuine partnerships between the mental health service and Indigenous people that reflect respect of cultural heritage and recognises the importance of including Indigenous people in the design and management of mental health services. Attention to the recommendations from this study will help ensure a culturally appropriate and effective mental health service for Indigenous consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the functioning of a trauma and dissociation unit that has run for the past 8 years in a private hospital, with particular regard to operating philosophy, operating parameters, challenges encountered, research and educational initiatives, and the applicability of the treatment model to other settings.Conclusions: Despite the challenges associated with significant difficulties in the corporate management of a private health-care system, it has been possible to operate an inpatient and day hospital programme tailored to the needs of patients in the dissociative spectrum, and the lessons learnt from this experience are valid considerations in the future planning of mental health services overall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe the evolution, structure and outcomes of Gundhu Adolescent Wing, Toowoomba, Queensland, which comprises six dedicated beds set aside during development of a new rural acute mental health unit.Methods: All adolescents discharged from Gundhu in its first 7 months were included in the study. Data pertaining to patient characteristics, model of service delivery, length of inpatient stay and outcome at 7 months were obtained.Results: Thirty-three adolescents with mental illness living in the rural area were discharged from Gundhu in the first 7 months. For the 23 adolescents who stayed on the unit <14 days, outcome at 7 months after discharge was generally favourable. Six adolescents with length of stay of >or=30 days did less well, but made similar progress to patients in tertiary units.Conclusions: From the authors' experience, designating a small number of beds as adolescent within a rural acute mental health unit is an effective intervention for short-stay patients and is valued by adolescents and their families. Keeping the adolescent unit separate is beneficial even at the expense of foregoing access to space and facilities enjoyed by adult patients. Involving families early to provide off-ward fun, exercise and socialization with peers is important. Rural services tend to have high staff turnover. Involving rural general practitioners in follow-up plans may ensure better continuity of care after discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the college address of Brisbane-based University of Queensland molecular biology professor John Mattick at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on April 28, 2002. Theme of address; Performance of choir and orchestra; Presentation of college awards and prizes for 2002.

Objective: To discuss issues relevant to the equitable delivery of public housing services to people with mental illness. Strategies adopted by Queensland Department of Housing to address these issues and to improve services are described, and matters of particular relevance to mental health professionals are highlighted. Conclusions: Formal interagency service agreements between the Departments of Health, Housing and Disability Services, appropriate training programs, and case conferencing strategies can enhance the delivery of appropriate housing services to people with mental illness. Promotion of active interagency collaboration by mental health professionals will facilitate these strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Much attention has been paid recently to the possibilities offered by the development of integrated services across the public and private sectors. In mental health a variety of models have been proposed and trials implemented. This article describes the advantages of a model of public-private integration that addresses the needs of private heavy service users. The model takes advantage of the increasing expertise within the public sector in managing complex and severe mental health problems in community settings and seeks to address the lack of availability of this type of resource for private sector patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the general council meeting of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists held in Brisbane, Queensland. Opportunity for professional development; Advancement of college policy planning document; Models of service delivery and funding for private sector mental health services.

From July 2004 Tom Calma has been the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission. This role was created in 1992 to provide an ongoing monitoring agency for the human rights of Indigenous Australians and involves, inter alia, producing the Social Justice Report, an annual account to the Federal parliament on the status of enjoyment and exercise of human rights by Indigenous Australians. Commissioner Calma gave the opening oration to the 2006 Creating Futures conference and returned to open the conference in 2008 on 22 September in St Albans Anglican Church, located in the Aboriginal communitty of Yarrabah, 60 kilometres from Cairns. This is the text of that speech. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A week-long intensive outreach project to the Indigenous community of Napranum was undertaken by a Community Forensic Mental Health Service with the aim of developing the community's capacity for primary and secondary prevention of forensic mental health problems. Method: The process of developing and implementing the project is described. The outcome is evaluated by means of qualitative feedback from community members and participants. Results: The project was requested by the local community; planning involved extensive consultation between Queensland Health, community leaders and local service providers; and it was delivered with extensive contributions from other Queensland Health services, various non-government organizations, Indigenous opinion-leaders and public media, and an NRL football team. The outcomes are sustainable at a local level. Conclusions: This form of community engagement may contribute to destigmatization of mental illness in Indigenous communities, increased engagement beween these communities and mental health service providers, and increased cohesiveness and morale of these communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]