Mental Health Policy in Australia - Essay Example

Mental Health Policy Student’s Name Course Professor Date A policy is taken as a set of interrelated decisions which government actors or group of actors take in selecting some goals and the means to achieve them for a specified situation. One of such political agenda in Australia has been to promote mental health and prevent mental illness for over a decade now. The course of action has seen significant investment taken towards national strategies and setting initiatives towards achieving these outcomes. There has been a comprehensive national policy to underpin the focus and guide investments. This essay outlines the Australian mental health policy and traces its development and its impacts to consumers, carers and families. The discussion shows that, mental health policy has influenced public health and in turn it has embraced a holistic understanding of health and well-being. It also looks at the implications that will arise as mental health and public health sectors continue to collaborate in policy reform. A policy cycle plays an important role in promoting change. It roughly involves about five major steps including; problem identification, option development, political decision, implementation and evaluation (Smith & Williams, 2008). All the five aspects of a policy has played a significant role to significant approach to mental health in Australia and will continue to impact positively for the situation. There are four major areas that have been influence greatly including research, government, expert advice and community preferences which are major pillars of improving mental health and wellbeing. In Australia, mental health problem high prevalence disorders includes anxiety, depression, drug and alcohol problem and low prevalence disorders like major affective disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. As Parham (2007) observes, Mental Health policy in Australia can be traced back to the development of National Mental Health Strategy that resulted from adverse publicity and increased public enquiries into services geared to mental health in 1992. Australia became the first country to come up with such a national strategy to modernize mental health services. The strategy came up with a plan, funding under Medicare agreement and stated the rights and responsibilities of consumers. However, a more than a decade later, the aims of the strategy which was to promote mental health of the community, prevent disorders, reduce impact of disorders and assure rights to mentally ill significantly failed. Australia had adverse publicity where national inquiries criticized mental health services and professional disquiet about adequate mental health care. Afterwards, second plan and third plan and more recent, COAG National Action Plan has played a lot in promoting mental health and wellbeing. Research has been a key policy driver in the last decade by showing statistics and facts about mental illness. For instance, extensive studies showed that mental illness peak onset was noted with youth aged 15 to 25. Half of the patients with chronic illness showed no complete symptom recovery. There was also high use of existing mental health services with an average of 50% of patients admitted each year. However, less than 20% of these patients had accessed rehabilitation services. Major factors leading to mental illness are highlighted including;„social isolation where 84% of patients are single with 59% experiencing severe difficulties in socializing, unemployment 72% , poor or lack of housing with 45% in hostels, institutions, homeless or in group homes, 18% noted as victims of violence while self harm/suicide at 17% (Jablensky et al, 2000). In meaningful change and effective social policy starts with problem identification. From 2005, the role of academics as policy entrepreneurs has impacted on mental health policy. Academicians have focused on broader areas of mental health and wellbeing. Significant research works have focused on the nature, natural history, development and interrelations of mental health. Secondly, they have explained the relationship between policy directions and values, promoted pragmatic knowledge for practical or program implementation, involvement or building the necessary alliances for action. Major studies sparked policy review by noting the crisis in mental health, required reforms for real outcomes, review of past mental reform and outcomes as well as how to respond to hidden challenges of mental illness (McGorry 2007; Whiteford et al 2005; Hickie et al 2005; & Andrews, 2001). As Smith & Williams (2008) observed, to fix the ills that persisted to face mental health outcomes, COAG National Action Plan that rolled out from 2006-2011 made a number of major proposals. $1.1 billion was dedicated to tackle mental health issues in Australia. To supplement GP services, national health call center was set up to ensure that access and support to all patients. The plan has focused on establishment of a framework to improve and tackle mental health services. The government has set up more centers for training doctors and universities. Initiatives have been geared to taking elderly people to aged care where there is optimum care compared to hospitals. Smith & Williams (2008) further observed that, in April 2006, commonwealth dedicated $1.8 billion as new funds for five years with approximately 30% of it being Medicare rebates for psychology sessions. 650 respite places were set and 900 new mentors and personal helpers employed. Additionally, there has been funding for psychiatrists and GPs to employ more mental health nurses. In the same year, the government decentralized activities through 9 individual implementation plans that span all the States, territories and the Commonwealth. Consequently, each State/territory has envisaged its problem and prioritized on needs and the best action plan to deliver the most effective outcomes. Over the last decade, mental health policy key directions have been geared towards promoting, preventing and early intervention. Secondly, activities focus on integrating and improving care. Thirdly, there has been more community participation and employment as well as accommodation. Fourthly, emphasis on coordinated care where State build structures that facilitates the implementation of action plan. Fifthly, policy has led to increased workforce capacity and lastly continued progress measurement. In 2008, policy focused on social inclusion with a greater focus emphasized through national mental health, disability employment strategy and green paper on homelessness. In the same year, national mental health strategy was updated to come up with second and forth national mental health plan (Burns, et al, 2010). There are many changes that have taken effect from effective policy. Majorly, structural change has been noted, with new facilities, training and inter-professional relationship established, community participation and coordination established. The policy has facilitated what can be referred to as crossing the borders with mental health situation becoming a matter of concern not only by commonwealth but to individual states. Policy has led to intersectoral influence which has addressed issues of housing, education, justice and employment that are major factors related to mental health conditions. Policy change has also led to integration of mental health within the vast health care system. Сhаngеs in Роliсy; Соnsumеrs, Саrеrs and thеir Fаmiliеs Recent changes in policy will significantly affect the lives of consumers, carers and families. For instance, Mental Health 2020 emphasis is to make mental health personal and a business for everybody. Majorly, the policy will promote community engagement which is also a key principle that underpins this ten-year strategic policy. Engagement means that consumers, carers and their families will be considered as genuine partners and promote advice, lead mental health development at different levels including; individual, community and in the service system levels (Burns, et al, 2010). Western Australia is specifically an area of focus where there is high prevalence of Aboriginals with adverse mental conditions. The policy will address the challenges in building the capacity of the system to value, accept and legitimize consumers’ views as well as those of their families and carers. Other stakeholders and community representatives will be involved and together, they will help to translate inputs into actions leading to better lives for those with mental problems or illness. Consumers, families and carers access to a number of levels to engage in activities carried out by the Commission such as forums, consultations, surveys, committees, working groups and individual contact (Government of Western Australia, 2010). The rights and responsibilities of consumers, families and carers will be well defined following the establishment of the draft Mental Health Bill 2011. The bill includes a charter of care principles to ensure that the rights of consumer, families and carers will be upheld. Currently, efforts to raise awareness on how to implement such rights and responsibilities are geared forward through rewriting Codes of Conduct, brochures, other literature as well as clinicians’ guidelines. All these action will promote respect and upholding of the rights of those who access mental health services. For example, as observed in the Government of Western Australia (2010), the Commission has set aside a five year budget totaling to $1.375 million to ensure that consumers have greater say in the sector. Additionally, they have established and support advocacy bodies run by and for consumers such as Consumer of Mental Health WA. Consumer voice will influence public sector agencies, community sector, the government, private organizations and give a greater role to consumers in decision making.  In conclusion, changes in mental health policy has impacted on through funding, development of better structures, increased expertise and recently focus on community engagement and participation. Currently, major policy focus will majorly impact on consumers, their families and carers. Families and carers have and will be an integral part of the work of the Commission ensuring representation of communications initiatives and strategic groups. Through engagement, funding by the commission and support, consumers, their families and carers will facilitate more improvement in mental health as trained parent peer support workers to support parents who live with mentally ill and still working to ensure development of community action, advocacy group for those with multiple and unmet needs like co-occurring and ongoing mental distress.  References Andrews, G., Issakidis, C., & Carter, G. (2001). Shortfall in mental health service utilisation. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 179(5), 417-425. Burns, J. M., et al. (2010). The internet as a setting for mental health service utilization by young people. Medical Journal of Australia, 192(11), S22. Government of Western Australia (2010). Engaging consumers, families and carers. [Accessed 27 March 2015 from http://www.mentalhealth.wa.gov.au/engagement/Consumer_carer.aspx]. Hickie, I. B., Groom, G. L., McGorry, P. D., Davenport, T. A., & Luscombe, G. M. (2005). Australian mental health reform: time for real outcomes. Med J Aust, 182(8), 401-406. Jablensky, A., McGrath, J., Herrman, H., Castle, D., Gureje, O., Evans, M., & Harvey, C. (2000). Psychotic disorders in urban areas: an overview of the Study on Low Prevalence Disorders. Australian and New Zealand journal of psychiatry, 34(2), 221-236. McGorry, P. D. (2007). The specialist youth mental health model: strengthening the weakest link in the public mental health system. Medical Journal of Australia, 187(7), S53-S56. Parham, J. (2007). Shifting mental health policy to embrace a positive view of health: a convergence of paradigms.-editorial. Rosenberg, S., & Rosen, A. (2012). It’s raining mental health commissions: prospects and pitfalls in driving mental health reform. Australasian Psychiatry, 20(2), 85-90. Smith, G. & Williams, T. (18 September 2008). Policy in Action 15 years of mental health reform in Australia. UWA Mental Health Policy and Practice Seminar. WA Centre for Mental Health Policy Research. Whiteford, H. A., & Buckingham, W. J. (2005). Ten years of mental health service reform in Australia: are we getting it right. Medical Journal of Australia, 182(8), 396-400. Read More

Research has been a key policy driver in the last decade by showing statistics and facts about mental illness. For instance, extensive studies showed that mental illness peak onset was noted with youth aged 15 to 25. Half of the patients with chronic illness showed no complete symptom recovery. There was also high use of existing mental health services with an average of 50% of patients admitted each year. However, less than 20% of these patients had accessed rehabilitation services. Major factors leading to mental illness are highlighted including;„social isolation where 84% of patients are single with 59% experiencing severe difficulties in socializing, unemployment 72% , poor or lack of housing with 45% in hostels, institutions, homeless or in group homes, 18% noted as victims of violence while self harm/suicide at 17% (Jablensky et al, 2000).

In meaningful change and effective social policy starts with problem identification. From 2005, the role of academics as policy entrepreneurs has impacted on mental health policy. Academicians have focused on broader areas of mental health and wellbeing. Significant research works have focused on the nature, natural history, development and interrelations of mental health. Secondly, they have explained the relationship between policy directions and values, promoted pragmatic knowledge for practical or program implementation, involvement or building the necessary alliances for action.

Major studies sparked policy review by noting the crisis in mental health, required reforms for real outcomes, review of past mental reform and outcomes as well as how to respond to hidden challenges of mental illness (McGorry 2007; Whiteford et al 2005; Hickie et al 2005; & Andrews, 2001). As Smith & Williams (2008) observed, to fix the ills that persisted to face mental health outcomes, COAG National Action Plan that rolled out from 2006-2011 made a number of major proposals. $1.1 billion was dedicated to tackle mental health issues in Australia.

To supplement GP services, national health call center was set up to ensure that access and support to all patients. The plan has focused on establishment of a framework to improve and tackle mental health services. The government has set up more centers for training doctors and universities. Initiatives have been geared to taking elderly people to aged care where there is optimum care compared to hospitals. Smith & Williams (2008) further observed that, in April 2006, commonwealth dedicated $1.

8 billion as new funds for five years with approximately 30% of it being Medicare rebates for psychology sessions. 650 respite places were set and 900 new mentors and personal helpers employed. Additionally, there has been funding for psychiatrists and GPs to employ more mental health nurses. In the same year, the government decentralized activities through 9 individual implementation plans that span all the States, territories and the Commonwealth. Consequently, each State/territory has envisaged its problem and prioritized on needs and the best action plan to deliver the most effective outcomes.

Over the last decade, mental health policy key directions have been geared towards promoting, preventing and early intervention. Secondly, activities focus on integrating and improving care. Thirdly, there has been more community participation and employment as well as accommodation. Fourthly, emphasis on coordinated care where State build structures that facilitates the implementation of action plan. Fifthly, policy has led to increased workforce capacity and lastly continued progress measurement.

In 2008, policy focused on social inclusion with a greater focus emphasized through national mental health, disability employment strategy and green paper on homelessness. In the same year, national mental health strategy was updated to come up with second and forth national mental health plan (Burns, et al, 2010). There are many changes that have taken effect from effective policy.

Read More