Due to delays in getting set up, data for Phase 1 was collected from October 1993 to February 1994, well into the reform process, and for Phase 2 from January to December 1995. For Phase 1, persons contacted were asked to project back prior to implementation of reform. We can only comment on a few observations and findings here. Interested persons might contact Manitoba Health or our committee for more information. The researchers accessed consumers through physicians.
Individual staff is very important in experience of consumers.
Better coordination of services required between hospitals and community based services. Consumers are very aware of a mental health stigma. It's therefore hard to understand why it was so difficult to access the Report. One important issue begging for attention is touched on by O'Brian, namely the finding by the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy and Evaluation of a close link between poverty and mental health, where poverty is apparently not only a result of mental illness, but often a significant cause.