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Background: The elimination of restrictive practices, such as seclusion and restraint, is a major aim of mental health services globally. The role of art therapy, a predominantly non-verbal mode of creative expression, is under-explored in this context. This research aimed to determine whether art therapy service provision was associated with a reduction in restrictive practices on an acute inpatient child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) unit. Methods: The rate (events per 1,000 occupied bed days), frequency (percent of admitted care episodes with incident), duration, and number of incidents of restrictive practices occurring between July 2015 and December 2021 were analysed relative to art therapy service provision. The rate, frequency and number of incidents of intramuscular injected (IM) sedation, oral PRN (as-needed medication) use, and absconding incidents occurring in conjunction with an episode of seclusion or restraint were also analysed. Results: The rate, frequency, duration, and total number of incidents of seclusion, the frequency and total number of incidents of physical restraint, and the rate, frequency and total number of incidents of IM sedation showed a statistically significant reduction during phases of art therapy service provision. Conclusions: Art therapy service provision is associated with a reduction in restrictive practices in inpatient CAMHS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The idea of 'the market' has long held an important place in orthodox accounts of the capitalist economy. This is understandable given the important role markets play in the distribution [...]

Eco-sufficiency and Global Justice: Women Write Political Ecology Ariel Salleh (ed.) Pluto Press, London, New York; and Spinifex Press, North Melbourne, pp. 324, RRP $39.95 This book comprises a diverse [...]

Background: Community-managed mental health organisations are important vehicles for “place-based” recovery-oriented services in regional areas. However, the community-based sector is not well described in data collections and more research is needed to identify the specific contributions that such services can make to recovery. This situation has become more acute in Australia with the restructure of mental health services under the new National Disabilities Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Aims: The project aimed to understand more about what is effective in the service system; what impacts living in a regional location might have on a person’s lived and service system experience and what people find helpful and supportive in their recovery journeys. Method: A one-year qualitative study utilising photovoice and written narrative with group workshops, individual interviews and a capstone exhibition experience. Results: Research findings were consistent with recovery principles but also revealed elements not commonly emphasised in the recovery literature. Four main themes were distilled: belonging and being connected; survival, resilience and hope; living a contributing life and compassionate service provision. Conclusion: The effectiveness of recovery-oriented service delivery needs to be secured under the individualised funding structure of the new NDIS and expanded for the specific needs of people living in regional communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In line with the Australian Government's Vision 2030, this research foregrounds consumer experiences of recovery to inform the (co)design and delivery of mental health services for people living with complex needs and/or a severe and persistent mental health condition., Setting: The research takes a specialist focus on the regional setting, with data collected from client experiences within Western NSW, Australia, in the context of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) implementation and inclusion of psycho-social disability within the NDIS service environment., Participants: Thirty-seven people aged 19-70 years living with complex needs and/or a diagnosis of a severe and persistent mental health condition were recruited from services where they had a care plan or where they were members of a consumer reference group for recovery-oriented services., Design: A tripartite framework integrating recovery oriented, trauma-informed and collective impact approaches for a qualitative, arts-based (photovoice) study., Results: In areas of the mental health service system that had not yet applied a personalised understanding of recovery or embraced trauma-informed practice there were a range of issues and gaps in service delivery relating to authentic relationships, belonging and connection, service cultures, trauma-informed care, and workforce investment., Conclusion: Clinical and non-clinical services need to ensure consistent person-centred and trauma-informed practice is implemented throughout the mental health service system to meet the needs of the consumer. An eight-point checklist serves as the basis for services to reflect on how they are working with consumers and to support the review of systems and clinical governance frameworks., (© 2024 National Rural Health Alliance Ltd..)