Perceptions of mental health service delivery among staff and Indigenous consumers: it's still about communication.
OBJECTIVE
A needs analysis was undertaken to determine the quality and effectiveness of mental health services to Indigenous consumers within a health district of Southern Queensland. The study focussed on identifying gaps in the service provision for Indigenous consumers. Tools and methodologies were developed to achieve this.


METHODS
Data were collected through the distribution of questionnaires to the target populations: district health service staff and Indigenous consumers. Questionnaires were developed through consultation with the community and the Steering Committee in order to achieve culturally appropriate wording. Of prime importance was the adaptation of questionnaire language so it would be fully understood by Indigenous consumers. Both questionnaires were designed to provide a balanced perspective of current mental health service needs for Indigenous people within the mental health service.


RESULTS
Results suggest that existing mental health services do not adequately meet the needs of Indigenous people.


CONCLUSIONS
Recommendations arising from this study indicate a need for better communication and genuine partnerships between the mental health service and Indigenous people that reflect respect of cultural heritage and recognises the importance of including Indigenous people in the design and management of mental health services. Attention to the recommendations from this study will help ensure a culturally appropriate and effective mental health service for Indigenous consumers.
Eley
Diann
D
School of Medicine Rural Clinical Division, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia. eleydi@usq.edu.au
Young
Louise
L
Hunter
Keith
K
Baker
Peter
P
Hunter
Ernest
E
Hannah
Dominique
D
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel / Q000208:ethnology; D003142:Communication; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006303:Health Services, Indigenous / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000208:ethnology / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D008875:Middle Aged; D044382:Population Groups / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations; D011793:Queensland; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires