Working together to improve the mental health of indigenous children: a systematic review

Lopez-Carmen, Victor, McCalman, Janya, Benveniste, Tessa, Askew, Deborah, Spurling, Geoff, Langham, Erika, and Bainbridge, Roxanne (2019) Working together to improve the mental health of indigenous children: a systematic review. Children and Youth Services Review, 104. 104408.

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Abstract

Objective This review analyses the available literature that underpins intersectoral service integration processes and tools designed to improve mental healthcare for Indigenous children.

Method 10 databases and 12 grey literature sources were searched for publications in English and published between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2017 that evaluated or measured primary health care interventions that focussed on the intersectoral integration of services, service partnerships, or action across at least two sectors to improve children's mental health, and that included Indigenous children 4–17 years old in one of the five CANNZUS countries (Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Norway and/or the United States). The five sectors considered were PHC, specialist mental health, education, child protection, and juvenile justice. Study characteristics were extracted and reported aims, strategies, enablers, and outcomes were identified and analysed.

Results Eleven studies were included: five were Australian; four Canadian; one from the USA; and one from New Zealand. Nine key strategies for service integration were: intervention delivery through community workers and external workers, interdisciplinary delivery, staff and organizational capacity building, engaging community, empowering families, individual counselling, adaption of care to Indigenous sociocultural specificities, and strengthening culture and identity. Six enablers of implementation were: involvement of community, access and cost, collaborative multidisciplinary health services, strong relationships, cultural sensitivity, and organizational and staff capacity. Six outcomes were: health and human services collaboration, psychosocial functioning and stress management, health service & organizational empowerment, development and promotion of appropriate health policy and protocols, linkage of health services, and community and family empowerment.

Discussion and conclusion The evidence for intersectoral interventions addressing Indigenous child mental health is in the early stages of development, but suggests potential for improving health outcomes for Indigenous children, their families and communities, as well as the satisfaction and utilization of healthcare and community services. Further research surrounding cost evaluation, impact on the social determinants of health, extent of consumer engagement, and Indigenous voice is needed.

Item ID: 58924
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1873-7765
Keywords: service integration; collaboration; partnership systems; integration; adolescent
Copyright Information: © 2019 Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under a Creative Commons (CC x NC-ND 4.0) license.
Funders: National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Western Sydney University (WUS), Australian-American Fullbright Commission (AAFC)
Projects and Grants: NHRMC Early Career Fellowship (APP1113392)
Date Deposited: 25 Jul 2019 03:42
FoR Codes: 45 INDIGENOUS STUDIES > 4504 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing > 450423 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth and family social and emotional wellbeing @ 50%
45 INDIGENOUS STUDIES > 4504 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing > 450417 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander public health and wellbeing @ 50%
SEO Codes: 92 HEALTH > 9203 Indigenous Health > 920399 Indigenous Health not elsewhere classified @ 50%
92 HEALTH > 9204 Public Health (excl. Specific Population Health) > 920410 Mental Health @ 50%
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