
Authors: Bronwyn Morrison, Simon Kroes, Corinne Owens, Jennie Fairclough, Kevan Myers, Melissa Petrakis, VIC
Year: 2017
Event: 2017 TheMHS Conference
Subject:
Type of resource: Conference Presentations and Papers
Abstract: Background: In a Community Care Unit (CCU) in Melbourne, providing medium to long term clinical care and rehabilitation/recovery services to consumers with serious mental illness and associated psychosocial disabilities, a review of admissions identified an increase in the number of consumers with alcohol and/or other drug (AOD) issues. Concerns were regarding the impact of AOD use on the individual’s recovery journey, the recovery journey of other consumers, the CCU environment, and the development of risk management strategies to reduce harm for all. Method: The dual diagnosis service for the region was consulted. A trial of the Before During After (BDA) Harm Reduction Tool, and associated capacity building package, was commenced as a collaborative quality improvement (QI) activity. Results: The service increased clinicians’ knowledge about harm reduction and impacted on service culture. Conclusions: Use of a tool like the BDA can provide a structure to conversations with consumers about harm reduction.
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