title: Providers' perceptions of how rural consumers access and use mental health services.
abstract: This article describes the third phase of a research study undertaken within a Canadian provincial regional health authority to explore and analyze mental health services and other resources used by rural consumers after discharge from inpatient mental health programs. The focus of this article is the qualitative research findings obtained from mental health service providers and members of allied agencies. This article will discuss the literature on rural consumers' access and use of mental health programs and services; describe the context and method used to conduct the focus groups with rural service providers; characterize access and use problems from the service providers' perspectives; and suggest strategies to address these problems.
authors.affiliation: Brandon University, School of Health Studies, Brandon, Manitoba, Canada R7A 6A9. nicholls@brandonu.ca
authors.forename: Kimberley D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Ryan-Nicholls
authors.forename: Frances E
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Racher
authors.forename: J Renée
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Robinson
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D017144:Focus Groups; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000592:standards*; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008350:Manitoba; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020380:Needs Assessment; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012041:Regional Medical Programs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires