Evaluation of a West Australian residential mental health respite service

Family members continue to be the predominant providers of support, care and accommodation for loved ones with mental health issues, and empirical studies suggest that accessing mental health respite can be helpful for both carers and consumers. However, the availability of, and access to, this respite in Australia is far from optimal. Major issues have also been identified such as low utilisation, the inappropriate and inflexible nature of services and the inability of services to respond to situations where multiple needs exist. This article presents findings from a small evaluation of a pilot residential respite service. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with eight family members/carers and four consumers using the service, and five service providers. In addition, anonymised sociodemographic information about all users of the service in the first 9 months of its operation were analysed. Reflecting the current limitations around respite options, the majority of family members/carers and consumers were appreciative of, and satisfied with, the service. The research highlighted issues such as availability and suitability of respite, particularly when consumers had multiple and unmet needs. Mental health residential respite is often a stopgap in crisis situations and intersects with the difficulty of planning respite and shortages in affordable supported accommodation. Furthermore, the ramifications of individualised funding for people with “psychosocial disability” in the new Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) remain unclear. While family members and carers may benefit indirectly from NDIS funding, it is especially important at this time that the need for more suitable, recovery‐oriented respite services is highlighted.     

Health and Diabetes Self-efficacy: A Study of Diabetic and Non-diabetic Free Clinic Patients and Family Members

Free clinics across the country provide free or reduced fee healthcare to individuals who lack access to primary care and are socio-economically disadvantaged. This study examined perceived health status among diabetic and non-diabetic free clinic patients and family members of the patients. Diabetes self-efficacy among diabetic free clinic patients was also investigated with the goal of developing appropriate diabetes health education programs to promote diabetes self-management. English or Spanish speaking patients and family members (N = 365) aged 18 years or older completed a self-administered survey. Physical and mental health and diabetes self-efficacy were measured using standardized instruments. Diabetic free clinic patients reported poorer physical and mental health and higher levels of dysfunction compared to non-diabetic free clinic patients and family members. Having a family history of diabetes and using emergency room or urgent care services were significant factors that affected health and dysfunction among diabetic and non-diabetes free clinic patients and family members. Diabetic free clinic patients need to receive services not only for diabetes, but also for overall health and dysfunction issues. Diabetes educational programs for free clinic patients should include a component to increase diabetes empowerment as well as the knowledge of treatment and management of diabetes. Non-diabetic patients and family members who have a family history of diabetes should also participate in diabetes education. Family members of free clinic patients need help to support a diabetic family member or with diabetes prevention.     

Oral Health of Children and Adults in Latino Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Families

Oral health is one of the greatest unmet health needs of immigrant farmworkers. This paper describes use of dental services and current oral health problems of children and parents in farmworker families. Interviews were conducted with 108 women in Latino farmworker families in western North Carolina and southwestern Virginia. Dental care had been received in the past year by 73% of children, 47% of mothers, and 37% of spouses. Children were most likely to have received care on a regular basis, while adults usually received no care or emergency care. In general, children’s teeth were in better condition than parents’ teeth. Children’s receipt of dental care and their teeth condition were predicted by being born in the US. No family member’s care was related to acculturation or mother’s education, typical predictors of health behavior. Differences among family members suggest that access to services, not lack of education, is the primary barrier facing farmworker families.     

The health service needs of small rural communities

ABSTRACT: In recent years econometric models used in health service planning have tended to encourage the downgrading or closure of small rural hospitals with the effect of reducing access to services and transferring costs from health authorities to consumers. These changes have occurred despite mounting evidence that people in rural communities have specific health service needs which require special attention. This study aimed to identify the perceptions of community members, health professionals and administrators regarding the health service needs in their small rural communities as a basis for developing a more comprehensive model of rural health service planning. Focus groups were held in three selected towns in Gippsland, exploring participants' perceptions of the meaning of health, health service needs, impact of health services, and the best set-up for health services. Consistent with previous research, key findings include: a broad conceptualisation of health; the perceived overwhelming importance of doctors, hospitals and chemists; the economic and social importance of a rural hospital; and a preference for all health services being provided under the one roof, funding and program flexibility, and local involvement in health service planning and implementation.     

The residential needs and preferences of persons with serious mental illness: A comparison of consumers and family members

This study reports on a systematic statewide effort to determine the residential needs and preferences of two important groups: primary consumers of mental health services and family members of consumers. Two comparable surveys regarding the residential needs of consumers were conducted. In all, 314 consumers and 459 family members participated in the survey. A comparison of the preferences of family members and consumers suggests that family members more often prefer congregate living situations and more staff support than do consumers. Consumers more often express a desire to reside by themselves without staff and without other persons who are mentally ill. While the direct comparison of preferences from these two constituencies has limitations, these data do suggest significant variability in needs and preferences voiced by consumers and their family members; discrepancies that need to be addressed by mental health policymakers and planners.     

Mental health professionals’ views of the parents of patients with psychotic disorders: a participant observation study

As a consequence of the deinstitutionalisation of mental health services, family members have become an important part of the care system. However, little is known about mental health professionals’ perceptions of these family members. The aim of this study was to explore professionals’ views of one particular group, the parents of patients with psychotic disorders. Because sensitive issues such as professionals’ perceptions of parents can be difficult to capture via interviews or self‐report instruments, we conducted participant observation of 20 multi‐professional team meetings. The observations were carried out during 2011 at a psychiatric care unit specialised in working with patients with psychosis. Approximately 10 inpatients and outpatients were discussed in each team meeting. All conversations about the patients’ parents were documented with field notes that were later analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Through the analysis, a complex and multi‐faceted image emerged of parents as seen by mental health professionals. Some parents were described as a helpful resource, but others were thought to hinder treatment. Conflicts between staff members and parents were commonly due to their differing views on the treatment, particularly the medical treatment, of the patient. Other parents were described as causing the patient emotional pain and some parents were perceived as neglectful or abusive. These findings highlight the crucial role mental health professionals play in identifying families’ particular needs and capacities to provide interventions that effectively address each specific situation. Professionals should also recognise families with adverse experiences and help parents fulfil their potential to become resources for their children with psychosis.     

应用TOPSIS法综合评价军队人员卫生服务需要量

目的：寻求军队人员卫生服务需要量综合评价方法,为合理组织卫生服务和优化军队卫生资源配置提供科学依据。方法：应用TOPSIS法对西北地区不同军兵种、不同类别军队人员的6项主要卫生服务需要量指标进行综合评价。结果：该区陆军人员卫生服务需要量最高,空军人员次之,总装人员最低。按人员类别分析,现役人员中士官的卫生服务需要量最高,其它依次为团以下干部、义务兵和师以上干部。结论：TOPSIS法应用于评价军队人员卫生服务需要量方法简便,结果真实可靠、易于解释,适宜推广应用。     

广州市15岁以上居民肿瘤患病及社区卫生服务状况的调查

目的了解广州市居民肿瘤患病情况及其流行特征、卫生服务现状,为今后制定有效的防治措施提供科学依据。方法采用多阶段分层整群随机抽样方法,于2004年4~8月对广州市13个区(县级市)年龄在15岁以上的常住居民进行询问调查,调查其肿瘤患病情况及社区卫生服务状况。结果共调查25 220人,肿瘤患病率为1.53%,恶性肿瘤患病率为0.34%,肿瘤患病率以女性、文化程度较低、离退人员、待业和家务、家庭人均年收入低、离异或丧偶、有肿瘤家族史、年长的人群较高,并随着年龄的增长,肿瘤和恶性肿瘤患病率呈上升趋势。调查385例患者,肿瘤病人其家庭距离最近医疗点的实际步行的平均距离为500 m,88.1%肿瘤患者表示患病后希望社区卫生服务机构人员给予服务;肿瘤患者患病后选择就诊机构为社区卫生服务机构只占2.3%;65.5%的肿瘤患者未到过社区卫生服务机构接受服务;86.5%的肿瘤患者未接受过社区卫生服务机构人员上门服务。结论广州市肿瘤(恶性肿瘤)患病形势严峻,虽然肿瘤患者所在的社区卫生服务可及性良好,需求程度高,但社区卫生服务利用率低,应加强肿瘤社区综合防治。     

社区卫生服务机构签约服务模式分析

目的:分析典型地区社区卫生服务机构签约服务模式进展,为社区首诊、有序转诊等分级诊疗体系的建立提供实践依据。方法:采取目的抽样,选取全科医生制度探索较早且具有代表性的北京市、上海市、郑州市、成都市共12家社区卫生服务中心进行现场调查。采用主题框架法,围绕签约服务的关键要素展开描述性分析。结果:调研地区签约服务的开展主体是以全科医生为核心的服务团队;以慢性病患者等重点人群为签约对象,并辐射至其家庭成员,签约人数控制在1 500~2 000人;以提供防治结合的基本公共卫生和基本医疗服务为主要内容,多为免费服务;以家庭医生工作室为服务平台,主动服务意识凸显;建立物质激励、精神激励、医保政策优惠、绿色转诊等机制保障签约服务的有效落实。结论:以信息平台为基础,调研地区签约服务的开展对预约服务、转诊服务、居民自我健康管理起到促进作用,有助于稳固医患关系,改善患者体验,形成有序就医格局。     

云南省农村妇女生育健康基础服务需要量研究

采用问卷调查与收集现有资料相结合的方法,对云南农村已婚育龄妇女的生育健康基础服务需要量进行了调查研究。结果表明;农村妇女对生育健康服务的需要是综合性的,既包括预防性服务也包括治疗性服务;当前农村育龄妇女面临的主要生育健康问题是以妊高症为主的孕期并发症与合并症、产伤、产后出血、生殖道感染、避孕方法的副作用和并发症等;贫困妇女对服务的需要量更大。要有效地改善农村妇女的生育健康状况,有关部门应向其提供综合性的生育健康基础服务,并把主要生育健康问题列为工作重点。     

肝癌介入治疗患者家属健康教育需求调查

目的 调查肝癌介入治疗患者家属健康教育的需求.方法 采用自行设计的问卷对426名肝癌患者家属进行健康教育需求的调查.结果 大部分肝癌患者家属对肝癌介入治疗有一定的认知;非常需要健康教育的家属占79.34％,以年轻化、学历高、经济情况良好的家属需求最强烈.结论 健康教育能提高肝癌患者对肝癌的认识和家庭照料水平,有利于家属的身心健康和患者的康复.     

Mental health carers’ experiences of an Australian Carer Peer Support program: Tailoring supports to carers’ needs

Carer Peer Support Workers (CPSWs) are people who have lived experience as carers/family members of persons with a mental illness, and are employed to provide support to other carers/family members. This qualitative study aimed to explore carers’ experiences within a community‐based CPSW pilot program in an Australian mental health service. Semi‐structured phone interviews were conducted with 20 carer participants in 2015, 5–10 months following their last contact with the service. Thematic analysis uncovered that carers were generally positive about the CPSW's emotional support, practical support, shared lived experience and mutual understanding, and the “ripple effect” the support had on service users. Some carers, on the other hand, felt that the support was unnecessary; either because they believed that it did not have a lasting effect, the focus should have been on the service user, or that they had previously received enough support. Nevertheless, the study highlighted how mental health services could best utilise and benefit from CPSWs. Moreover, to be most useful, the nature of the carer peer support work should be tailored to the specific needs of the carers; which may vary according to their culture, years of caring experience, and previous experiences with mental health services.     

Ethics and value strategies used in prioritizing mental health services in Oregon

The authors describe the ethical considerations underlying the inclusion of mental health services into a prioritizedhealth care system. The Oregon Health Plan is a process for defining and delivering basic health services to an entire state. As the plan was developed, the mental health community needed to decide whether or not to participate in the process and, if so, how. Lengthy discussions among mental health consumers, family members, and providers led to a strategy that emphasized the integration of mental health and chemical dependency services into a comprehensive and universal health care program. This approach appears to have achieved relative parity for mental health.     

新理念的家庭健康史在公共卫生中的应用发展

家庭健康史是基因易感性、生活环境和生活行为方式交互作用的体现.随着公共卫生事业的发展,家庭健康史重新被人们所重视并被赋予了更多的内涵和意义.文章阐述了家庭健康史内涵的扩展及其在公共卫生领域中的应用价值,并分析了家庭健康史在今后的发展趋势.     

Reproductive and family planning history, knowledge, and needs: A community survey of low-income women in Beijing, China

Background  

The reproductive health status of China's low-income urban women is believed to be poor. Therefore, understanding their reproductive history and needs and improving services provision is very important. However, few studies have been done to assess reproductive health status, knowledge and needs in this low-income population. The purpose of this study is to broadly assess reproductive and family planning history, knowledge and health needs among low income urban women with an aim to informing health services interventions.     

Primary health care and the Midwest flood disaster.

The Midwest flood disaster of 1993 ravaged communities across a 9-State area. Homes were destroyed, roads closed, and services disrupted. Economic costs, including loss of revenue from farming and loss of jobs, are estimated at more than $1 billion. Even as people continue to rebuild their lives 1 year later, renewed flooding has occurred in some areas. A community-based primary health care system can be described as a system of services that (a) offers all members of a family continuous, comprehensive, quality health services throughout their lives; (b) includes case management and coordinated referrals to other related services when necessary; (c) is usually provided by family practitioners, general internists, general pediatricians, obstetricians-gynecologists, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and physician assistants; and (d) has community involvement in the development and management of the system to assure that it meets the changing needs and the diversity of the people it is designed to serve. This paper uses the floods to describe the impact of a disaster on primary health care services and primary health care systems. This includes changes in the demand for services (as evidenced by the frequency and type of patient visits) and the ability of the system to respond to these changes. The effect of a disaster on access to primary health care is discussed.     

Availability and Primary Health Care Orientation of Dementia-Related Services in Rural Saskatchewan,Canada

Community-based services are important for improving outcomes for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. This study examined: (a) availability of rural dementia-related services in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, and (b) orientation of services toward six key attributes of primary health care (i.e., information/education, accessibility, population orientation, coordinated care, comprehensiveness, quality of care). Data were collected from 71 rural Home Care Assessors via cross-sectional survey. Basic health services were available in most communities (e.g., pharmacists, family physicians, palliative care, adult day programs, home care, long-term care facilities). Dementia-specific services typically were unavailable (e.g., health promotion, counseling, caregiver support groups, transportation, week-end/night respite). Mean scores on the primary health care orientation scales were low (range 12.4 to 17.5/25). Specific services to address needs of rural individuals with dementia and their caregivers are limited in availability and fit with primary health care attributes.