Tools and methodologies for investigating the mental health needs of Indigenous patients: it's about communication

Eley, Diann, Hunter, Keith, Young, Louise, Baker, Peter, Hunter, Ernest, and Hannah, Dominique (2006) Tools and methodologies for investigating the mental health needs of Indigenous patients: it's about communication. Australasian Psychiatry, 14 (1). pp. 33-37.

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Abstract

Objective: To undertake a needs analysis to determine the quality and effectiveness of current mental health services to Indigenous patients within a health district of Southern Queensland. The present study focused on identifying gaps in the service provision for Indigenous patients. Tools and methodologies were developed to achieve this.

Method: Before commencement of the needs analysis, a review of related national projects was completed. The needs analysis entailed the develop ment and distribution of two separate questionnaires. A major priority of the questionnaire for Indigenous patients was ensuring that effective com munication and cultural respect was achieved. A steering committee of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous experts collaborated on this. The second questionnaire was for employees of the mental health service. Both ques tionnaires were designed to provide a balanced perspective of current mental health service needs for Indigenous people within the mental health service.

Results: The predominant issue that emerged and underpinned all the results was communication.

Conclusions: The present study has developed and used procedures for undertaking research involving Indigenous people. It has shown the impor tance of involving Indigenous people to help ensure successful communica tion, compliance and cooperation by Indigenous mental health patients.

Item ID: 18244
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1440-1665
Keywords: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, communication, cultural awareness, Indigenous Australians, mental health
Date Deposited: 28 Sep 2011 02:01
FoR Codes: 11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111714 Mental Health @ 50%
11 MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES > 1117 Public Health and Health Services > 111701 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health @ 50%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9203 Indigenous Health > 920302 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health - Health Status and Outcomes @ 50%
92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920410 Mental Health @ 50%
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