Dr Verena Pritchard1, Professor Kerrianne Watt1, Ms Sandra Garner1, Professor Emma Bosley1, Dr Marianne Wyder2, Ms Caitlin Donahoo1
1Information Support, Research and Evaluation Unit, Queensland Ambulance Service, Brisbane, Australia
2Research and Learning Network, Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services, Brisbane, Australia
Introduction: Over 65,000 MH presentations to Queensland emergency departments (EDs) were recorded in 2019-20, accounting for 4.1% of all presentations. The introduction of the MHCORE program was designed to address increasing need for improved community-based MH services to reduce burden on emergency services and EDs, while providing least restrictive care pathways to patients.
Methods: The MHCORE evaluation is a comprehensive, multi-method, multi-phased study designed to evaluate the process, impact, and outcomes of MHCORE for co-responders and consumers. This presentation relates to Phase 1 of the evaluation – specifically, co-responder perceptions of the effectiveness and appropriateness of the MHCORE service. All staff with MHCORE on-road or management roles were invited to participate in a survey and optional follow-up interview in May-June 2022.
Results: Sixty participants responded; 26 also completed an interview. Over 90% agreed the MHCORE service enhanced frontline responses to MH crises and was more appropriate than ED admission. This sentiment was consistent across agency and role types. Thematic coding of qualitative data indicated that overall, the MHCORE service was perceived as being “the right intervention, at the right time, in the right location”. Inter-agency collaboration and positive impacts on the knowledge and confidence of paramedics and police in managing MH related presentations were identified as particular strengths. Lack of role clarity, organisational differences, and rostering issues were identified as potential implementation barriers.
Conclusion: Overwhelmingly, the MHCORE programs were perceived as providing a more optimal pathway of care to people presenting with a MH crisis who call Triple Zero (000).
Biography:
Dr Verena Pritchard joined the Queensland Ambulance Service in February this year, working as a Research Fellow (Mental Health) in the Information Support, Research and Evaluation Unit. She also holds an honorary adjunct position as Industry Fellow with the School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology.