Evaluation of beyondblue NHMRC Clinical Practice Guidelines
June 2010
National mental health initiative beyondblue is calling for responses to an online survey which aims to improve mental health care for young adults and adolescents across Australia.
beyondblue is inviting health professionals and school counsellors working with young people, as well as carers and consumers to participate in a national study to evaluate the relevance and usefulness of guidelines and information currently available to assist in the treatment and management of depression in adolescents and young adults.
The ultimate aim of the survey is to assess the usefulness and uptake of the final Clinical Practice Guidelines for Depression in Adolescents and Young Adults, which beyondblue expects will be approved by the CEO of the National Health and Medical Research Council late in 2010.
Once approved the Guidelines will be available on the beyondblue website and disseminated widely.
After the Guidelines have been released, a six-month post-dissemination survey will be conducted to compare the baseline survey which is currently underway, to assess how useful the Guidelines have been for health professionals, school counsellors, carers and consumers.
beyondblue has commissioned Wallis Consulting Group to co-ordinate this study. The questionnaire will take less than 10 minutes to complete. The information you provide will remain strictly confidential and can be accessed at: http://www.beyondblue.org.au/index.aspx?link_id=6.1247
You can also discuss the Guidelines, the survey and your ideas via the forums at MHPN Online... click here to discuss on the forums.
Reaching out in Nhunlunbuy
May 2010
Mental Health Professionals Network organised and hosted a workshop with a difference in Northern Territory recently, hosting practitioners from remote Northern Territory at a day-long workshop at Nhulunbuy on the north eastern tip of Arnhem Land.
The event saw over 20 participants receive training on the Australian Integrated Mental Health Initiative (AIMHi) before a more conventional MHPN dinner.
Conceptualised by Darwin psychiatric registrar Lea Foo after contact from MHPN and in response to remote and indigenous mental health challenges, the workshop resulted in a commitment to an ongoing interdisciplinary mental health network.
The unique challenges of such remote access and gathering a number of mental health professionals saw participants travel from as far as Darwin and Elcho Island. Logistics was handled deftly by MHPN who undertook all the administrative tasks in association with the all day event.
Nicky Bisogni, MHPN senior project officer stated “We were delighted that Lea Foo, like us recognised the window of opportunity that an initial MHPN workshop offers. We understand the complexities and challenges that remote mental health clinicians face and so we were pleased to be responsive and flexible in our support for these workshops.”
Lea Foo explains that MHPN gave her an opportunity to address a key need in the region’s mental health care system.
“It began because I was aware that the Mental Health Professionals Network was providing support for people who were interested in joining organisations together for the process of networking and education around referral pathways, and I realised that the clinicians here work in very isolated circumstances because the communities are located quite far apart,” she explained, adding, “Up here we commute by light aircraft or by a very long, very bumpy car trip.”
“One thing I realised is that many mental health workers felt that isolation, and the second thing was that non-Indigenous mental health workers needed more education on how to communicate effectively and how to assess people cross-culturally.”
With General Practitioners a vital cog in the Better Access machine, Foo realised it was important to understand their needs and limitations. “At first I thought we would just do a workshop, but then I realised GP’s might not have a whole day just for a workshop,” she explained.
“So I thought they would benefit from a summary of the services and material that’s available so they can access it at their own leisure. Also with the GPs involved it’s an opportunity for them to hear from the Aboriginal mental health workers who are out in the communities.”
The focus on education and dissemination of AIMHi literature in the day session was followed by a discussion on networking and interdisciplinary care across dinner. “I developed the idea to have a day workshop focused on AIMHi, and then the dinner program involved a lot of discussion around referral pathways and used the MHPN case study to talk about constructing care plans and what community services were available” Foo explained.
Foo says that an interdisciplinary approach is a key focus of the network members, “It’s a number of services working collaboratively that allows us to give someone a better, and more holistic treatment plan. It’s really a multi-factorial strategy that we need to adopt.”
The network is currently organising its first independent network meeting with support from MHPN , the Northern Territory GP Network and also with the drug and alcohol services based in Nhulunbuy.
Lea Foo is enthusiastic about the potential for the network into the future. “There is a need here and we can see that. People who came felt it was really useful so hopefully we can get an even better turnout to the next meeting.”
Nicky Bisogni, MHPN senior project officer summed up the MHPN commitment, “Planning this workshop was an iterative process and was shaped by local need and issues. We look forward to continuing to support interdisciplinary mental health networks in Nhulunbuy and other remote parts of our country.”
Psychiatrists lead interdisciplinary mental health care
March 2010
Three Darwin psychiatrists and one Darwin psychologist have become a shining example for interdisciplinary mental health care, with their strong facilitation and leadership driving development of a strong, sustainable and successful interdisciplinary mental health network in the region even before their first network meeting.
After facilitating workshops run by Mental Health Professionals Network late in 2009, the four practitioners committed to coordinating four separate networks. Federal youth mental health organisation Headspace and the local Division of General Practice co-morbidity project officer played an active role in the roll-out of the initial workshops and importantly, have committed to providing further support to the networks.
The four coordinators have met for a strategic discussion on forging and maintaining ongoing interdisciplinary mental health networks in the region. This resulted in a planned roll out of four Special Interest Group workshops; Men’s, Women’s, Youth and Adult. Headspace will again be involved, facilitating the Youth workshop.
The strong individual networks are using the upcoming special interest workshops to forge a regional relationship and expand their existing networks. A strong turnout is expected at each of the workshops as coordinators will invite participants in the network formed from the initial MHPN workshop, as well as colleagues and contacts from their existing professional circles.
The four networks enjoy an impressive spread of disciplines from both public and private sectors. Of the 68 attendees to the initial MHPN workshops, 11 were GPs, 9 Mental Health Nurses, 26 psychologists and 7 were psychiatrists. Occupational Therapists, Social workers and other related occupations made up the remaining 15 participants.
Strong representation across disciplines, the support from Headspace, the local Division of General Practice and the leadership shown by the four facilitators give these networks a solid foundation for success. Each enjoys access to MHPN’s $500 funding for ongoing inter-disciplinary mental health networks, as well as access to administrative support. The impress initiative shown in collaborating to organise the four upcoming meetings, with a focus on including more members, is already proving fruitful, generating a buzz around the network.
Psychiatrists are a cornerstone of MHPN’s vision for sustainable ongoing interdisciplinary networks. Their rank as respected and valued mental health professionals attracts other clinicians seeking valuable working relationships with psychiatrists to the group, thereby ensuring high participation across disciplines.
Psychiatrist involvement is a particular attraction for General Practitioners, who as the gatekeepers to Medicare’s Better Access scheme are also pillars of the MHPN network initiative.
For more information on MHPN workshops, or on joining an existing MHPN network please visit www.mhpn.org.au.
MHPN goes beyondblue
February 2010
National mental health initiative beyondblue has joined Mental Health Professional’s Network in the treatment of depression and mental illness. From February, a co-branded flier will be handed out to MHPN participants at every workshop across Australia. MHPN will also distribute an information pack promoting the many free resources available on the beyondblue website.
This positive collaboration is a landmark for MHPN which is committed to promoting cross-discipline, frontline care of mental health issues.
A range of support materials for consumers, carers and families are available and clinicians attending MHPN workshops and network meetings will be encouraged to join the beyondblue online clinical directory.
The beyondblue initiative began in 2000 and is an independent, not for profit organisation which enjoys bi-partisan political support. It works to bring mental illness issues out of the closet and into public consciousness.
beyondblue has several high profile patrons including former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett.
Resources on the website include tips for families coping with mental illness, depression and substance abuse, information sheets for general practitioners and mental health clinicians, as well as guides for carers, consumers and families and an online directory of practitioners.
The online directory is significant for MHPN as our participants look to expand their referral partnerships and provide interdisciplinary, collaborative care of consumers.
Networks flourish for Newcastle mental health
November 2009
Newcastle looks like it is fast becoming a centre for networking…of the mental health kind. Four MHPN networks have formed in the region since February with the idea of combining to broaden their professional contacts. The networks cover Maitland, Newcastle, Newcastle West and Westlake.
Newcastle network facilitator Kerry Allanson explained that one of the key drivers to the network’s success is the ideas being generated from participants. “I have a list of topics which I use as a starting point to generate ideas, and add new suggestions to the list for the next meeting”.
This led to a recent meeting where the focus was on “Young Mums and Mental Illness”. They held a forum titled ‘Tricky conundrums – ethical dilemmas from a multi-disciplinary perspective’ around a hypothetical case. An expert panel was formed consisting of a consultant psychiatrist, clinical psychologist, general practitioner, child and family infant mental health RN, and an adolescent physician, and the discussion was led by a Peri-natal and Infant Mental Health RN. The discussion revolved around how each discipline could contribute to the care in a complex situation.
The meeting was held at a local venue where a light meal was provided and drinks were available for purchase. The Newcastle networks have opened their meetings to other mental health professionals servicing the region.
To become part of a local mental health network, register for an MHPN a workshop today by calling 1800 209 031 or visiting Workshop Registration.
Stone paves the way for Frankston MHPN network
November 2009
A recent mental health network workshop held in Frankston is forming a network thanks to the professional contribution of the workshop facilitator Dr Jeremy Stone and the assistance of the Mental Health Professionals Network (MHPN).
Dr Stone, committee member of RANZCP Victorian branch, is well respected for his work in the mental health community in the Peninsula region. As a facilitator Jeremy proved invaluable due to his work in mental health in both the public and private sectors. Jeremy’s extensive knowledge, coupled with the knowledge of the workshop participants, enabled a comprehensive mapping of local referral options, identifying how clients can be referred to the various public, private and non-government services.
The workshop was well attended by 8 psychologists, 5 social workers, 3 GPs and 3 mental health nurses. A workshop participant explained “There was a tremendous amount of knowledge sharing at the session as well as an opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and to build new ones”.
MHPN continues to seek facilitators for workshops which will be running through until June 2010. MHPN are interested in running workshops that are location based, such as the Frankston workshop, that are based around an existing clinic or service, or that have a special interest focus. If you are interested in facilitating for MHPN, or in building a workshop around your existing clinic, group or special interest, please contact Nic Ridge on 9601 4987 or n.ridge@mhpn.org.au, or register an expression of interest with MHPN.
Bayside GPs grow network with MHPN support
October 2009
When is a clinic meeting not a meeting? When it turns into an MHPN network. This was the case with a recent MHPN workshop held at the Brighton Savoy in Melbourne. Facilitated by Associate Professor Steve Trumble, a member of the RACGP National Standing Committee - Education, and Editor in chief of 'The Clinical Teacher', the successful workshop was built around Steve and his colleagues' regular montly clinic meetings.
A large part of the evening's success was attributed to the Thomas Street Family Medical Clinic's GPs being able to invite mental health professionals to join them for the evening. Doctors and therapists who had been in 'referral relationships' for several years - without ever having met - finally got together and shared some good-natured case discussion. 'I filled out a mental health care plan the next day,' said one participant 'and actually felt I knew the person to whom I was referring my patient'. In addition, Julien Schulberg, a University of Melbourne medical student and trained concert violinist, entertained the participants with a musical interlude during the workshop.
To assist in building the network, invitations were also sent by MHPN to clinic groups not in regular contact with the Bayside GPs such as mental health nurses. Attendees of the workshop were from varied mental health backgrounds including 7 GPs, 2 undergraduate medical students, 7 psychologists as well as a social worker, a practice nurse and an international visitor from Scotland, Dr Patricia Donald, a GP Policy Adviser to the Lothian Health Board in Edinburgh. Participants agreed to further meetings at the Thomas Street Family Medical Clinic and welcomed further support from MHPN.
MHPN workshops are being held across Victoria to establish local networks of mental health professionals to assist with networking and information exchange. The Victorian MHPN team can assist clinks to build their networks by organising similar workshops.
Interested in strengthening your mental health networks? Contact the Victorian MHPN team on 03 9601 4987 and find out how an MHPN workshop can be organised around your clinic or email Nic Ridge, Senior Project Officer at n.ridge@mhpn.org.au.
Funds to help ongoing networks
September 2009
Further assistance is being offered by MHPN to support ongoing MHPN networks across Australia. MHPN Chairman, Mr John McGrath AM, recently announced the availability of $500 funding for all networks continuing to meet following an initial workshop.
In light of feedback from workshop participants and facilitators, it became clear that new networks need further assistance from MHPN to establish themselves as sustainable networks. The funding assistance is being directed to sustain ongoing networks after the initial workshop. It can be used to cover such costs as venue fees, modest catering expenses and guest speakers. MHPN can also provide additional administrative support to networks including advice and resources to assist in creating successful future meetings.
Letters from John McGrath were sent to all workshop participants last week and have been mailed to all facilitators this week. Please contact your state senior project officer for more information or call 1800 209 031.
Sutherland Succeeds in Mental Health Networking
August 2009
It's like being a member of a book club only the topic of discussion isn't a book. It's considered as one of the most prevalent issues affecting Australians today. Mental health and workshops are being held across Australia successfully bringing together industry professionals to discuss and share in their experiences with mental health. And that's exactly what Dr Monica Moore from the Sutherland Shire, south of Sydney, is encouraging.
Dr Moore believes such a network within the shire could benefit professionals in a number of ways including sharing information, getting to know people who attend the meetings and hearing views on how they practice, as well as who they know and recommend in the industry.
The Sutherland Shire network are planning to meet on a quarterly basis. Two case presentations will be presented at the next meeting. Subsequent meetings will have a different focus depending on the needs of the group.
Stirfry Unites Aboriginal Community and Mental Health Services
July 2009
Some of the best gatherings are united through food and the Elcho Island MHPN workshop was no exception. Situated off the coast of East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, the island's largest community is the settlement of Galiwinku. A traditional Aboriginal community with restricted access where permission to visit is required by law.
The workshop, or more aptly described as a local gathering, was held in July at the Nalkanbuy Clinic, Galiwinku and was attended by 20 community members and 13 health professionals, including a GP, mental health nurse, senior aboriginal mental health worker (General Practice Network Northern Territory, GPNNT) and 10 indigenous health workers (from the two Health Services)
The session was facilitated by Vivien Speight, a mental health nurse with the East Arnhem Mental Health Service.
The indigenous health workers arrived at 12pm. They had not used a wok before, so Vivien and the senior aboriginal mental health worker (GPNNT) showed them how to use it by cooking their meal. While the workers enjoyed the delights of a stir fry, Vivien presented a framework for understanding “what makes a strong parent” (the concept of “strong” as opposed to “good” resonates with indigenous people).
At 2pm community members arrived. The health workers cooked a stir fry - the first ever cooked by the workers and the first ever eaten by the community! The group then played Aim High, an assessment and goal setting board game which enables participants to recognise a responsibility or task and then identify the associated emotional response. Participation in this game gave a voice to the community members to share the struggles and challenges they experience in parenting young children. Exposure to the parenting framework (in the initial part of the workshop) gave the workers a basis to strategically respond to these concerns. Just before the workshop concluded, community members presented Vivien with a farewell gift of an art work they had created. Vivien is leaving her post and the region soon and MHPN sincerely thank Vivien for her work and wish her all the best.