Using the National Mental Health Service Planning Framework to inform integrated regional planning: a case study in Tasmania, Australia.

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.

Using the National Mental Health Service Planning Framework to support an integrated approach to regional mental health planning in Queensland, Australia.

Regional integrated service planning has been identified as a key priority for improving the mental health system in Australia. The National Mental Health Service Planning Framework (NMHSPF) is an integrated planning tool that estimates the resources required to deliver the optimal mix of mental health services to a population. In 2016, Queensland Health commissioned a trial application of the NMHSPF for joint mental health planning between a Primary Health Network (PHN) and the corresponding state Hospital and Health Services (HHSs) in a regional area.

Reducing aggressive behaviour and staff injuries: a multi-strategy approach.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a multi-strategy approach on the management of patient aggression and staff injury rates at a stand-alone mental health facility.

Methods: A multi-strategy aggression management program was developed and introduced over a 2-year period. The program had four components; staff education/training, a staff support program, risk assessment tools, and a computerised incident monitoring system.

Staff and patient perceptions of seclusion: has anything changed?

Background: Seclusion continues to be widely used in the management of disturbed behaviour in hospitalized patients. While early research on the topic highlighted significant differences in staff and patient perceptions, there are few recent data to indicate if these differences still exist.

Aim: This paper reports a study exploring the perceptions of both nursing staff and patients towards the reasons for seclusion; its effects; patients' feelings during seclusion; and possible changes to the practice.