Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/26780

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Title
Co-morbid drug and alcohol and mental health issues in a rural New South Wales Area Health Service
Author/Creator
Hoolahan, Bryan;  Kelly, Brian;  Stain, Helen;  Killen, Didi
Description
Objective: In 2003 the New South Wales (NSW) Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH) conducted an analysis of co-morbid drug and alcohol (D&A) and mental health issues for service providers and consumers in a rural NSW Area Health Service. This paper will discuss concerns raised by rural service providers and consumers regarding the care of people with co-morbid D&A and mental health disorders. Design: Current literature on co-morbidity was reviewed, and local area clinical data were examined to estimate the prevalence of D&A disorders within the mental health service. Focus groups were held with service providers and consumer support groups regarding strengths and gaps in service provision. Setting: A rural Area Health Service in NSW. Participants: Rural health and welfare service providers, consumers with co-morbid D&A and mental health disorders. Results: Data for the rural area showed that 43% of inpatient and 20% of ambulatory mental health admissions had problem drinking or drug-taking. Information gathered from the focus groups indicated a reasonable level of awareness of co-morbidity, and change underway to better meet client needs; however, the results indicated a lack of formalised care coordination, unclear treatment pathways, and a lack of specialist care and resources. Discussion: Significant gaps in the provision of appropriate care for people with co-morbid D&A and mental health disorders were identified. Allocation of service responsibly for these clients was unclear. It is recommended that D&A, mental health and primary care services collaborate to address the needs of clients so that a coordinated and systematic approach to co-morbid care can be provided.
Relation
Australian Journal of Rural Health Vol. 14, Issue 4, p. 148-153
Publisher Link
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1584.2006.00792.x
Date
2006
Publisher
Blackwell Publishing
Keyword(s)
New South Wales;  Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health;  CRRMH;  drug and alcohol;  mental health disorders;  co-morbidity;  service provision;  primary care service
Resource Type
journal article
Identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/26780
Identifier
ISSN:1440-1584
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Subject
"Australian Journal of Rural Health"
 
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