Brett Emmerson

The Resource Team: An Innovative Service Delivery Support Model for Mental Health Services

Objective: This paper outlines the development of the Resource Team, an innovative service delivery model supporting clinical services at the Inner North Brisbane Mental Health Service, Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital Health Service District. The team aims to provide a base for specialist mental health support staff, improve knowledge management and support the development of meaningful community partnerships. Method: Development of the team included a literature review and consultation with internal and external stakeholders. From this, the objectives, roles and functions of the team were clarified and disseminated to stakeholders. Results: The team currently encompasses 12 positions and has initiated a number of programs and service developments. These include improved IT management of clinical resources and the development of partnerships with the community and non-government sectors. Conclusions: The Resource Team effectively coordinates specialist clinical support positions, addresses knowledge management issues and facilitates meaningful engagement with the community and non-government sectors. The model could easily be applied in other mental health and general health services.

Queensland's Geographical Maldistribution of Psychiatrists and Queensland Health's Response

There is a major geographical maldistribution and shortage of psychiatrists throughout Queensland. In June 1992, 48 psychiatrists worked outside of Brisbane where 66% of the population reside, while 172 psychiatrists worked in the metropolitan area. The reasons for and the effects of the maldistribution are discussed. Since 1991, Queensland Health has developed a number of key strategies to attract and retain psychiatrists in our non-metropolitan areas. These strategies are outlined. Between July 1992 and December 1993, 14 new full time psychiatrists were recruited. The results of these strategies are encouraging.

Why change injection sites for depot antipsychotic medication

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The Resource Hub: an innovative e-information service delivery model addressing mental health knowledge management

Objective: This paper outlines the development of the Resource Hub, an intranet-based electronic information service designed to improve knowledge management and staff satisfaction in the Inner North Brisbane Mental Health Service, Royal Brisbane and Womens Hospital, Metro North Health Service District. Method: The Resource Hub was launched in April 2007. It encompasses a large range of electronically stored resources and clinically relevant information, including direct links to approved internet sites, psychoeducation resources, fact sheets, resource lists and details of current service research projects. The Hub will continue to expand over time, improving access to clinical service delivery resources. Results: A significant review conducted in April 2008 resulted in modifications to further improve the content and design of the Hub. Ongoing evaluation incorporates regular usage monitoring and stakeholder satisfaction surveys. Conclusions: The Resource Hub is a service delivery innovation that effectively addresses mental health service knowledge management issues. It is a strategy that could readily be transferred to other district mental health services and to health services in general.

Clinical Pathways in Mental Health

‘Caremaps [Clinical pathways] are like microwave ovens: five years from now, members of all disciplines will marvel at how they ever got along without them. Of course there will always be some that refuse to accept innovation or who are technophobic. Most people, however, will readily incorporate useful, practical new products into their daily lives.’ Zander [1]

A collaborative approach to improve the assessment of physical health in adult consumers with schizophrenia in Queensland mental health services

Objective: The objective of this study was to apply a quality improvement collaborative to increase the number of physical health assessments conducted with consumers diagnosed with schizophrenia in adult community mental health services across Queensland. Method: Sixteen adult mental health service organisations voluntarily took part in the statewide collaborative initiative to increase the number of physical health assessments completed on persons with a diagnosis of schizophrenia spectrum disorders managed through the community mental health service. Results: Improvement in the physical health assessment clinical indicator was demonstrated across the state over a 3-year period with an increase in the number of physical health assessments recorded from 12% to 58%. Conclusions: Significant improvements were made over a 3-year period by all mental health services involved in the collaborative, supporting the application of a quality improvement methodology to drive change across mental health services.