Department of Human Services RESEARCH IN THE CONTEXT OF MENTAL HEALTH SERVICE PROVISION – THE CHALLENGES Victorian Transcultural Mental Health Research Conference 2005 Dr Ruth Vine

THE COMPETING PRIORITIES Steady increase in demand for services Sustained media interest and criticism Complicated funding and responsibilities – commonwealth primary care and specialist, state public health and non- government organisations Pressure in other areas such as prisons, child protection, juvenile justice

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY NMH Policy and first NMHP 1992 Second NMHP broadened the focus Current plan 2003 –2008 stated intention to continue the work of the first plan in re-orienting MH services, as well as progressing a more inclusive and whole of government approach Victoria ahead of the pack in many ways

WHY RESEARCH? What is the problem? – prevalence, diagnosis, service access What is the cause of the problem? – personal history, environment, social support What can be done? – service configuration, service range, workforce attributes, specific treatments, specialist services

WHAT DO WE ALREADY DO? Research not primary responsibility of MHB Commonwealth responsibility - NHMRC Specific research funding by MHB: - beyondblue/Centre for Excellence in Depression and Related Disorders - MHRI Other – mix of funding streams - Neuropsychiatry centre - Orygen Youth Health - range of research oriented units – CPNRP, Alfred, Centre for Rural Mental Health etc

WHAT DO WE ALREADY DO IN TRANSCULTURAL MENTAL HEALTH? Funding to transcultural/ethnic areas - VTPU - ADEC - VFSTT - Ethnic Mental Health Consultants Must recognise the importance of sensitivity to and awareness of transcultural issues in mainstreamed services – use of interpreters etc.

WHAT DO WE KNOW? Population stats, incl. specific communities Cultural backgrounds of people using MHS Some knowledge of mental illness prevalence in ethnic groups Feedback about access & treatment barriers Knowledge in some areas about what works, what is helpful, who should be involved

WHAT SHOULD WE DO? Be clear about the research role of MHS: should lead to better services for consumers and carers Direct attention to how best to use existing funds, as well as seeking more funding Disseminate research/share info/coordinate research efforts Implement research evidence & evaluate

SO WHAT PLACE RESEARCH? Needs to be a mix of exploring new areas for service and evaluating those already in place Must be consistent with overall directions – community support, integration with other areas in health and community, workforce development; and recognise emerging areas such as specific communities – eg detention centres, ethnic specific growth areas Funding should be from a range of Government, corporate and philanthropic sources, linked to other research efforts

CONCLUSION Research important, has to remain relevant, and able to be acted upon VTPU operational for 9 years Greater effort on putting services in place and addressing workforce needs Issues will change with new waves of immigration – Middle East, Africa etc Need to address both metro and rural areas