bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Promise of Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Training for Rural and Remote Mental Health Professionals
Authors: Bennett-Levy James , Perry Helen 
Published: July 2009

Objective: The aim of this paper is to indicate how online cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) training for rural and remote health professionals can enhance access to evidence-based treatments in rural communities and address psychotherapy training shortfalls for rural practitioners treating Australians with high prevalence psychological disorders. Conclusions: Issues of cost, distance and disruption to services have meant that, until now, it has been very difficult to provide really effective training in evidence-based therapies (in the main, CBT) for Australian rural and remote health professionals. The recent development of online CBT training provides new opportunities. Online training, supplemented by regular supervision, can fulfil many of the functions of face-to-face training at significantly reduced cost. While face-to-face residential workshops will still be necessary to embed new skills, we estimate that online training can reduce the face-to-face time required by at least 50%.
Enhancing the Knowledge and Skills of Advisory and Extension Agents in Mental Health Issues of Farmers
Authors: Hossain Delwar , Gorman Don , Eley Rob 
Published: July 2009

Objectives: The aim of this study was to increase knowledge and skills of Advisory and Extension Agents (AEAs) in recognizing the symptoms of mental disorders, providing initial help, and offering the referral pathway for appropriate professional help. Method: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training was provided to AEAs and knowledge and skills pre-training were compared to 6-months post-training. Results: The MHFA training improved the AEAs’ ability to recognize a mental disorder, it increased their confidence level in providing help to someone with a mental health problem, it decreased social distances and positively changed their beliefs about treatment. Conclusion: MHFA training is effective in enhancing the mental health knowledge and skills of AEAs. The agents, who are a main line of contact of farmers, are able to recognize mental disorders of people and help them appropriately. They are more willing to work with stigmatized people and know who to refer people to for help.
Informing and Implementing Policy to Advance Mental Health and Wellbeing Through Action Research in a Rural Remote Community Mental Health Setting
Authors: Petrie Eileen , Schultz Timothy , Pearson Alan 
Published: July 2009

Objectives: The aim of this study was to work collaboratively with a rural Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) to examine the issue of workplace stress and address issues specified by the group. Method: A five stage action research method following the Susman and Evered Model of Change was implemented for this research with four distinct cycles completed. Results: A cyclic process of action research established that organizational policies, clinical skills and educational levels of staff were inadequate. Two overarching themes drove the research cycles: staff safety and inadequate education of nursing staff to assess and appropriately manage consumers with mental health issues. Conclusions: This study found that unsafe environmental conditions in the health workplace and limited staff knowledge contributed to workplace stress. Staff identified as vital strategies to manage aggressive or potentially aggressive incidents effectively and ensure staff and client safety. Managers, policy makers and government officials need awareness of the threats to healthy workforces. Tools to guide practice and staff education were implemented to address the identified problems.
Incorporating Sociocultural Beliefs in Mental Health Services in Kwaio, Solomon Islands
Authors: MacLaren David , Asugeni James , Asugeni Rowena , Kekeubata Esau 
Published: July 2009

Objective: The aim of this paper is to describe the newly established mental health services at Atoifi Adventist Hospital, Solomon Islands, the sociocultural context in which it operates, and illustrate how the service is engaging with the Kwaio community to understand and incorporate local sociocultural beliefs into prevention, treatment and recovery journeys. Method: Five remote hamlets in East Kwaio, Malaita Province were visited in early 2008. Interviews were undertaken with 20 people with a history of buru spirit possession and 30 of their family members. Results: Buru is a category of wild and malevolent spirits that possess people in East Kwaio and induce antisocial and unexpected behaviour. Signs of buru possession include mutism, suicidal ideas, delusion, aggression and social isolation. Traditional healers practice indigenous treatments with 50% of people receiving treatments described as cured, 30% temporary cured and 20% no effect from treatment. Conclusions: The new mental health service at Atoifi is taking steps to incorporate sociocultural beliefs, including of people possessed by buru, into routine practice. This provides a greater potential to support prevention, treatment and recovery journeys to advance the community's social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Poetry – Recovery and Beyond
Authors: Clark Trevor 
Published: July 2009

Objective: The aim of this paper is to illustrate through poetry that self-directed recovery from mental illness is possible, and that through vigilance and a supportive network of family and mental health workers, life beyond recovery can be full and rewarding for any consumer. Conclusions: Through positive choice, a consumer can break the cycle of admission and realize self-empowerment, which can lead to a full and complete life.
Creative Recovery: Art for Mental Health's Sake
Authors: Dyer Geraldine , Hunter Ernest 
Published: July 2009

Objective: This paper describes the background to, implementation of and evaluation challenges associated with an innovative, arts-based, wellbeing and mental health recovery project in a remote Indigenous setting. Results: Creative Recovery is a community-based arts initiative for Indigenous people with mental health problems. It has been rolled out as a pilot project in a remote Cape York community and is aimed at promoting wellbeing and recovery. The theoretical basis for the initiative is modelled on ideas of the role that social capital plays in improving mental health. This involves both the beneficial impact community participation and the social cohesion it creates can have, not only on an individual's mental health, but also on the social and emotional wellbeing of the communities they are part of. Such initiatives have already been adopted as an integral part of mental health promotion in countries such as the UK, and in other Australian states such as Victoria and Western Australia. The following paper will locate Creative Recovery in the current field of mental health promotion theory and Indigenous social and emotional wellbeing, and will discuss some of the evidence for and challenges inherent in adopting such initiatives.
Pride and Performance: Evaluation Challenges of a Multimedia and Information Technologies Project in Remote Aboriginal Australia
Authors: Hunter Ernest , Travers Helen , Pelham Steven , Gibson Julie , Hermawan Grace , Austin Corey 
Published: July 2009

Objectives: This paper explores an approach to an evaluation challenge: to demonstrate the impact of an initiative drawing on innovative use of information/multimedia technology and performance to address perceived social needs within a disadvantaged, remote Indigenous Australian community. Results: The approach is described and preliminary data are presented supporting the importance of local production and participation.
Applied Theatre: Performing the Future
Authors: Baldwin Andrea 
Published: July 2009

Objective: This paper provides an introduction to applied theatre and performance as a body of practice that may enhance the wellbeing of Indigenous communities. Applied theatre forms are conceptualized along a continuum from ‘performance-oriented’ to ‘participant-oriented’. Participant reflections are reported from a pilot workshop in Papua New Guinea, as a contribution to the evolution of theory and practice of applied theatre for health promotion in Indigenous communities. Methods: Twelve Papua New Guinean nationals engaged in health promotion participated in the workshop. Participants were invited to reflect on the potential application of the theatre forms for their own health promotion practice. The workshop was qualitatively evaluated through a focus group at the conclusion of the workshop. Results: Participants identified specific theatre forms which they could use in their own health promotion practice. Several participants articulated a view that participant-oriented forms were more likely to influence health-related behaviour than performance-oriented forms, in their cultural context. Conclusions: The theatre-for-development literature does not yet clearly articulate how specific theatre forms may be more or less efficacious in terms of influencing health-related behaviour across cultural contexts. More extensive research into this question will yield significant benefits in terms of focusing practice culturally.
Undertaking a Fellowship in Indigenous Mental Health
Authors: Wand Anne Pamela Frances 
Published: July 2009

Objective: The aim of this paper is to report the experiences of the author during her Advanced Training Fellowship year in Indigenous mental health and consultation-liaison psychiatry through the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry. The description will include a discussion of how such a Fellowship may complement the key learning objectives of advanced training in psychiatry. Conclusions: A Fellowship in Indigenous mental health can offer a variety of experiences for the psychiatry trainee, including clinical work, research and teaching. The planning and collaboration with Aboriginal health organizations, key clinicians and Ethics committees provides a unique opportunity to learn invaluable communication and consultancy skills.
Widening the Circle: Making Mental Health Review Tribunal Hearings Accessible in Indigenous, Rural and Remote Settings
Authors: Fisher Shelley , Kilcullen Deborah , Schrieber Gwen , Hughes Brian 
Published: July 2009

Objective: The aim of this paper is to overview the history, structure and activities of the Queensland Mental Health Review Tribunal in relation to Indigenous patients. Results: The Mental Health Review Tribunal is an independent statutory body established under the Mental Health Act 2000 (MHA2000) to safeguard the rights of patients receiving involuntary treatment under the Queensland MHA2000. In the period from when the Tribunal commenced in 2002 to end of June 2008, people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background represent 2.3% of all patient registrations with the Tribunal. The Tribunal has established a range of strategies to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients to attend and participate in their hearing. This includes widening the Tribunal's body of knowledge, strategies to inform patients about the Tribunal, culturally sensitive hearing practices, and widening the circle of participation in the hearing. Conclusions The future direction for the Tribunal in this strategy will be influenced by more formal evaluation of the outcomes and by further development of a model for the provision of cultural advice.
Working with a Community Controlled Health Organization to Develop an Evidence Base for their Practice Models
Authors: Stewart Jacqueline , Raiwaqavuka Toni ,   Social Health Team
Published: July 2009

Objective: The aim of this paper is to present a model of working with a community controlled health organization to develop an evidence base that will be used to inform program development and delivery. Results: Through the examination of this and other models health professionals can find answers to questions around how to gather evidence of how interventions work (or do not work), for whom and in what circumstances. Using evidence of this kind to inform planning processes and decision making will facilitate improved, sustained health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the future.
Using Policy and Workforce Development to Address Aboriginal Mental Health and Wellbeing
Authors: Jones Carmel , Brideson Tom 
Published: July 2009

Objective: The aim of this paper is to discuss the New South Wales (NSW) Aboriginal Mental Health and Well Being Policy and its key workforce initiative, the NSW Aboriginal Mental Health Workforce Training Program. Conclusions: The Policy provides a strong framework guiding the development of Aboriginal mental health and wellbeing programs throughout NSW Mental Health Services. However, the effectiveness of the Policy will be determined by the success of its implementation. The NSW Aboriginal Mental Health Workforce Training Program will support implementation of the Policy by growing an Aboriginal mental health workforce in NSW.
“The Sergeant Wants to Acupuncture Me”: A Personal Lens into the Introduction of a Traditional Eastern Therapy to Indigenous Australians
Authors: Talbot Daniel 
Published: July 2009

Objective: This paper introduces a project established between the Emotional, Social Wellbeing Centre and the Goldfields Ngunytju Tjitji Pirni (Caring for Women and Children) and the Western Australia Police in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. Conclusions: Members of the Indigenous community of Kalgoorlie have found benefit through consultation and treatment involving the use of acupuncture, dietary and lifestyle counselling. In addition, Indigenous persons have found benefit in an alternative means of accessing police services outside of a typical police environment.
The Napranum Social and Emotional Wellbeing Week
Authors: Hartman David , Wallis Gloria , Drahm Michael , Unwin Ron , Robinson Dane 
Published: July 2009

Objective: A week-long intensive outreach project to the Indigenous community of Napranum was undertaken by a Community Forensic Mental Health Service with the aim of developing the community's capacity for primary and secondary prevention of forensic mental health problems. Method: The process of developing and implementing the project is described. The outcome is evaluated by means of qualitative feedback from community members and participants. Results: The project was requested by the local community; planning involved extensive consultation between Queensland Health, community leaders and local service providers; and it was delivered with extensive contributions from other Queensland Health services, various non-government organizations, Indigenous opinion-leaders and public media, and an NRL football team. The outcomes are sustainable at a local level. Conclusions: This form of community engagement may contribute to destigmatization of mental illness in Indigenous communities, increased engagement beween these communities and mental health service providers, and increased cohesiveness and morale of these communities.
Whakaora Nga Moemoea o Nga Tupuna – Living the Dreams of the Ancestors. Future Planning in a Kaupapa Māori CAMHS Team
Authors: Elder Hinemoa , Milne Moe , Witehira Heemi , Mendes Patrick , Heslin Anneliese , Cribb-Su'a Ainsleigh , Wilson Riwai , Goldsmith Arona , Kainamu Reena , Barrett Moana , Love Shar , Cargo Tania , Kalra Vanitha 
Published: July 2009

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify and operationalize aspects of a future planning process for sustainable delivery of Kaupapa Māori (Specialist Māori) mental health from a team called He Kākano, within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in South Auckland, New Zealand. Methods: A 2-day hui (meeting) was held with members of the team and a facilitator, Whaea Moe Milne. Review of background national epidemiological data, local data, information from community, carer and tangata whaiora (consumer) stakeholders and the existing He Kākano Model of Care was undertaken. Use of tikanga (Māori protocol and practices) was evident throughout the hui. Results: A number of aspects of tikanga were identified as essential to the positive outcomes of the future plan. This paper reports one in particular, that of whakatauaki (proverbs where the originator is known). “Whakaora nga moemoea o nga tupuna – living the dreams of the ancestors” is a whakatauaki articulated by Whaea Moe Milne, which was identified as helpful in influencing the strategic planning thinking and decision-making process for He Kākano. This whakatauaki enabled the identification of shared goals, values, beliefs, behaviours and an action plan. The existing and ongoing relationship with Whaea Moe Milne was identified as an important element in the way in which the whakatauaki was received and reflected on. Conclusions: Use of tikanga Māori, in this case, whakatauaki, was helpful in developing future planning for He Kākano. This suggests that use of tikanga may be beneficial in other settings where planning for sustainable Māori responsive services is undertaken. Further work in this area is likely to benefit service development, strategic planning, workforce development and have an impact on improving health outcomes for Māori.
Promoting Traditions: An Evaluation of a Wilderness Activity Among First Nations of Canada
Authors: Janelle Alain , Laliberté Arlene , Ottawa Ulric 
Published: July 2009

Objectives: Several native American communities face serious social problems brought about by the loss of culture. Many First-Nation communities organize traditional activities in a wilderness setting to promote culture and prevent social problems, among them suicide. The activities evaluated in this study were organized by the Atikamek community of Manawan (Quebec, Canada) for adolescents aged between 14 and 17 years. The main goals of these activities were to increase self-esteem, re-establish cultural continuity, encourage pro-social behaviours among the participants and ultimately empower and mobilize the community. Methods: Within the context of an honours thesis project, this research assessed the process and the effects of these traditional activities on a group of First-Nation youth. The evaluation used a mixed methodology consisting of two self-esteem scales and participatory observation. The results of this evaluative study show that this type of traditional activity is an innovative tool to increase cultural pride, foster pro-social behaviour and empower First-Nation youth. Conclusions: Obstacles met during the course of this research project highlight the importance of developing methodologies able to capture the rich and specific outcomes of traditional activities in an Aboriginal context.
The Experience of Collective Trauma in Australian Indigenous Communities
Authors: Krieg Anthea 
Published: July 2009

Objective: The concept of collective trauma has predominantly been applied in the context of natural and human disasters. This paper seeks to explore whether collective trauma offers a respectful way in which to explore and respond to mental health and wellbeing issues for Aboriginal families and communities. Method: A review of the international literature was undertaken in order to determine the elements of collective and mass trauma studies which may have relevance for Indigenous communities in Australia. Results: Findings support the proposition that the patterns of human responses to disasters, particularly in protracted traumas such as war-zones, shows strong parallels to the contemporary patterns of experience and responses articulated by Aboriginal people affected by colonization and its sequelae in Australia. Conclusion: Adopting evidence-informed principles of family and community healing developed internationally in disaster situations may provide helpful ways of conceptualizing and responding in a coordinated way to mental health and wellbeing issues for Indigenous people within Australia.
‘Living Between two Worlds’: Who is Living in Whose Worlds?
Authors: McCoy Brian 
Published: July 2009

Objective: Indigenous people have often been depicted as ‘living between two worlds’. They have been described as living neither in their ‘Indigenous’ world nor in the ‘Western’ world but in some middle, liminal, or in-between ‘world’. People in such situations are often described as ‘caught’ or ‘suspended’ and with obvious negative social, emotional and health consequences. What is this cultural space that is often described as ‘being between two worlds’? Can Indigenous people develop their identity within the demands and values of contemporary Australian society? Conclusions: Most people who live within the context of modernity move across a mixture of different social, spiritual and cultural ‘worlds’. By projecting particular and negative meanings onto Indigenous people and their journey of identity, non-Indigenous people diminish the value of Indigenous energies and initiatives in attempting to cope with life's diverse pressures and expectations. The perpetuation of such attitudes serves to undermine the efforts that Indigenous people make to engage modernity while at the same time attempting to maintain values that are of critical importance for their health and wellbeing. Consequently, non-Indigenous people can end up diminishing the importance of their own life transitions.
Boys Becoming Men: What Makes a Difference?
Authors: McCoy Brian , Ross Randal , Elston Jacinta 
Published: July 2009

Objective: In 1983 an Under 17 Australian Rules Football team visited Melbourne. They came from Townsville in North Queensland and the majority were Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. For several months prior to the trip they worked to raise the money and resources they needed for the trip. This paper describes the preliminary results of a research project that looked at the health of this group 25 years later. What can we learn from their experience in 1983? What can they tell us about the health of the next generation of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men? Method: The research project used a mixture of quantitative and qualitative research methods. It included a questionnaire, interviews, workshop and a focus group. Results: All of those involved in 1983 are still alive. Over a range of social and economic indicators many score very well but there are signs, as with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, of underlying health issues. Conclusions: Sport can provide for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men a culturally ‘safe’ place where important values across generations are developed and sustained.
Who is Not Coping with Colonization? Laying Out the Map for Decolonization
Authors: Sherwood Juanita 
Published: July 2009

Objective: This paper explores reasons for using decolonization as a method for improving Indigenous health status. Decolonization is a method required to shift the current paradigm of Western dominance and colonial amnesia that constructs and maintains Indigenous poor health status. Conclusion: Decolonization requires every Australian to examine the impact colonization has upon their past and present in order to formulate a future that does not reinstate the past. To take these steps requires a balance of histories, informing our current political and social context, critical reflexive practice and open communication with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.