Development and Evaluation of Drop-In Centers Operated by Mental Health Consumers

1993 ◽  
Vol 44 (7) ◽  
pp. 675-678 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline L. Kaufmann ◽  
Carol Ward-Colasante ◽  
John Farmer
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Consumers ◽  
Health Consumers

scholarly journals Utilization of a Cardiometabolic Health Nurse – a Novel Strategy to Manage Comorbid Physical and Mental Illness

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda Happell ◽  
Robert Stanton ◽  
David Scott
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Allied Health ◽  
Cardiometabolic Health ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Mental Health Consumers ◽  
Health Nurse ◽  
Health Consumers ◽  
Community Based Services

Background Comorbid chronic illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, and type 2 diabetes are common among people with serious mental illness. Management of comorbid illness in the mental health setting is sometimes ad hoc and poorly delivered. Use of a cardiometabolic health nurse (CHN) is proposed as one strategy to improve the delivery of physical health care to this vulnerable population. Objective To report the CHN's utilization of primary care and allied health referrals from a trial carried out in a regional community mental health service. Design Feasibility study. Mental health consumers were referred by their case manager or mental health nurse to the CHN. The CHN coordinated the physical health care of community-based mental health consumers by identifying the need for, and providing referrals to, additional services, including primary care, allied health, and community-based services. Results Sixty-two percent of participants referred to the CHN received referrals for primary care, allied health, and community-based services. Almost all referrals received follow-up by the CHN. Referrals were most commonly directed to a general practitioner and for nurse-delivered services. Conclusion The CHN role shows promise in coordinating the physical health of community-based mental health consumers. More studies on role integration and development of specific outcome measurement tools are needed.

Mental Health Support Workers

2016 ◽  
pp. 200-221
Author(s):  
Julia L. Hennessy ◽  
Liz Smythe ◽  
Max Abbott ◽  
Frances A. Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Educational Preparation ◽  
Mental Health Consumers ◽  
Mental Health Support ◽  
Health Support ◽  
Health Consumers ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Community Based Services

This chapter provides the background for policy setting, educational preparation, and emergence of mental health support workers (MHSWs) in New Zealand and examines the work they do in mental health services. New Zealand formally introduced the MHSW role in the early 1990's to provide non-clinical services for mental health consumers or clients through either hospital or community-based services. The work MHSWs undertake and their relationship with other health professionals is discussed. Also discussed, is the relationship that MHSWs have with mental health consumers/clients and the attributes that the MHSW brings to the relationship. Consideration is given to the debate as to whether the role of the MHSW should be regulated, what it means to be considered a health professional, and the possibilities of expanding the scope of practice for MHSWs.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document