Progression of the mental health nurse practitioner role in Australia (original) (raw)

Primary Mental Healthcare and Integrated Services

Mental Illnesses - Evaluation, Treatments and Implications, 2012

Mental disorder, which ranges in prevalence from 4.3 to 26.4% a year worldwide, is a critical healthcare issue (Demyttenaere et al., 2004). It is a leading cause of morbidity. Its cost and impact on productivity and on individual and family quality of life are substantial. It is associated with greater stigmatization of individuals, family burden, and a range of risk factors (for example, poverty, social isolation, criminal behavior, tobacco use, suicide attempts). Along with addiction, it is a major cause of work absenteeism and accounts for more lost work days in Canada than physical ailments (Kirby, 2006). Given the longstanding impact of mental disorder, the World Health Organization (WHO, 1978; 2001; 2008), emulated by countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Canada (Smith, 2009), has advocated primary care reinforcement as a leading priority in mental healthcare. Primary care is defined as "the provision of first contact, person-focused, ongoing care over time that meets the health-related needs of individuals, referring only those too uncommon to maintain competence, and coordinated care when individuals receive services at other levels of care" (Starfield, 2008, p. 5). Usually, mental disorders that are considered to be managed in primary care are well-defined disorders, for which there are effective pharmacological and psychological treatments (Bower, 2002). Robust primary care systems are deemed to achieve better organizational and patient outcomes (Starfield et al., 2005). Compared to specialized care, they are considered to be more accessible, less stigmatizing, and more comprehensive since they manage physical problems along with mental disorder (Rothman & Wagner, 2003). Studies report that most patients with chronic conditions prefer receiving services in primary care if the quality of services is perceived as good (Upshur & Weinreb, 2008). According to Heymans (2005), primary healthcare should handle 90% of health problems. As the main entry and service point for primary healthcare (Bambling et al., 2007), general practitioners constitute the cornerstone of the system. Every year, an estimated 75 to 80% of the general population consult a general practitioner (Nabalamba & Millar, 2007), with up to a third of these visits for a mental disorder (Rockman et al., 2004). General practitioners see more patients with mental disorders than psychiatrists do. In Canada, about 10% of the population seek mental healthcare yearly: 45% of these patients consult a general practitioners; and 25%, other healthcare practitioners (Lesage et al., 2006

Major issues facing primary care mental health in Australia 2001

2008

We have noted how difficult it is to maintain focus on aims that matter to society-that affect the external customers of our work, like patients and communities. It is sometimes easier to focus on internal reorganisation and improve in ways that are unimportant to outsiders. But it is meeting these external needs that ultimately determines the success or failure of organisations. Reminding people of this and asking relentlessly, "What external needs are we meeting?" is a mark of effective leadership." 1

Mental Health is an Essential Component of General Health

Uraban Panorama RCUES (ISSN:0975-8534), 2022

Background: The World Health Organization defines mental health as a condition of wellbeing in which a person reaches their full potential. It is a condition in which a person is able to manage everyday difficulties, do fruitful work, and give back to his community and society at large. The general health of an individual as well as the society depends on their mental or psychological well-being. It refers to much more than just the absence of mental disorder. When a person has strong mental health, their quality of life is enhanced, and when they have poor mental health, they are unable to lead regular lives. Scientists note that mental health issues are a more prevalent cause of sickness and early death than physical ailments, and they predict that by 2030, depression will overtake heart disease as the top cause of disease worldwide. Aim: The resources for mental health are the subject of this study as though a person who needs this aid can benefit much from knowing them. Conclusion: A person's optimal functioning depends on their mental health, and maintaining that health is crucial for living a long, healthy, and fulfilling life. All of the aforementioned evidence emphasises the necessity of making investments in mental health, including early identification and treatment, as well as rehabilitation and improvement of general health, which benefits both the person and society's well-being and economy. Keywords: component, mental, health, resources, policy, population, self-harm, intervention,

Integrating mental health into primary care

Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 1994

Integrating mental health into primary care: A global perspective Part 2 concludes by emphasizing the need to consider the 10 principles for integration together with the set of health system strengthening guidelines provided within the WHO Mental Health Policy and Service Guidance Package), in order to make integrated primary care for mental health a reality. Annex 1 provides information about the skills and competencies that are required to effectively assess, diagnose, treat, support and refer people with mental disorders. The primary care context presents specific challenges for health workers, including diverse patient populations and comorbid mental and physical health problems. Primary care workers must undertake two key functions to provide good quality primary care for mental health: assessment and diagnosis of mental disorders; and treatment, support, referral, and prevention services. To perform these functions, primary care workers require advanced communication skills. Education on mental health issues should occur during primary care workers' pre-service education, internship and residency, as well as throughout their careers in the form of short courses, continuing education, and ongoing supervision and support. Mental health integration requires leadership and long-term commitment. Yet integrated primary care for mental health is attainable, and as demonstrated by numerous health systems, scaling-up can be achieved. Integrated primary care for mental health is not only the most desirable approach; it is also a feasible approach-even in low-and middle-income countries. Further details are provided in Part 1, Chapter 1, which describes the optimal mix of mental health services as part of primary care-led systems. The specific structure of any system will invariably depend on the unique context of the given country or health system, but should nonetheless embody the broad principles outlined by the service model and contained in the Alma Ata Declaration.