Publications by authors named "Charlotte Comben"

Introduction: Mental disorders during young adulthood can significantly impair functioning in daily activities. Non-clinical support services aim to improve functioning by helping people to build social and life skills, participate in education and employment and improve physical health. This study aims to examine and synthesise the evidence for non-clinical services on improving functional outcomes for young adults with mental disorders.

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Background: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the application of a needs-based mental health service planning model in Tasmania, Australia to identify indicative directions for future service development that ensure the equitable provision of mental health services across the State.

Methods: The activity and capacity of Tasmania's 2018-19 mental health services were compared to estimates of required care by: (1) generating estimates of required care using the National Mental Health Service Planning Framework (NMHSPF); (2) collating administrative mental health services data; (3) aligning administrative data to the NMHSPF; and (4) comparing aligned administrative data and NMHSPF estimates to identify priority areas for service development. Findings were contextualised using information about service location, population demographics, and upcoming service development.

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Objective: To identify key mental health service components required for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and develop proposed modelling to modify the National Mental Health Service Planning Framework to account for the unique needs of these populations.

Methods: Service areas and corresponding modelling rules were informed by a review and analysis of literature and data (on existing service models and policy directions) and expert group discussions on the important aspects of mental health care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Results: Eight key service areas were identified and translated into proposed modelling rules for service planning: culturally appropriate assessment; increased care coordination; more family and carer involvement and support; specified workforce; holistic primary care teams; enhanced staffing for inpatient care; integrating culture; and earlier support for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.

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Aim: To identify and describe key service components that should be incorporated into age-appropriate integrated mental health care for young adults aged 18-24 years.

Methods: Key service components were identified through a mixed-methods approach including targeted examinations of the literature and structured discussions with experts in youth mental health.

Results: Seven key components were identified as important for providing age-appropriate mental health care to young adults.

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