Authors: Carolyn Durrant, Bethany Pade
Year: 2017
Event: 2017 TheMHS Conference
Subject: Research & Evaluation Informing Practice,Service Systems, Delivery, Implementation,Change, Innovation, Reform
Type of resource: Conference Presentations and Papers
Abstract: Aim: To describe a clinical practice improvement strategy for improving engagement with families and carers, and report on its effectiveness.
In 2016, the mental health service in Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District undertook a 12-month initiative to improve clinicians' engagement with families and carers. The initiative was called 'Year of the Family', and was a multi-faceted approach that attempted to address a range of barriers to engagement that had been identified by community staff. The initiative included training, resource development and special projects. The initiative began in April 2016 and ended in March 2017.
A number of evaluations have been undertaken since the conclusion of the initiative; including a staff survey, staff interviews, and a file audit. This presentation will report on these evaluations, and describe some of the key facilitators and challenges of the project.
'Year of the Family' aimed to increase clinicians' confidence in and capacity for family-inclusive practice. Did it work?
Learning Objectives
Learning Objective 1: Identify a range of strategies for improving clinicians' engagement with families and carers.
Learning Objective 2: Explore effectiveness of strategies based on evaluation of practice change.
References
1. The Bouverie Centre (2016). From individuals to families: A client-centred framework for involving families, Brunswick, The Bouverie Centre
2. Mind Australia, Helping Minds, Private Mental Health Consumer Carer Network (Australia), Mental Health Carers Arafmi Australia and Mental Health Australia (2016). A practical guide for working with carers of people with a mental illness, Adelaide, Mind Australia, Helping Minds, Private Mental Health Consumer Carer Network (Australia), Mental Health Carers Arafmi Australia and Mental Health Australia
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