Integrating self-help materials into mental health practice.
OBJECTIVE
Patients' mental health issues have become an increasing focus of Canadian family physicians' practices. A self-help approach can help meet this demand, but there are few guidelines for professionals about how to use mental health self-help resources effectively.


OBJECTIVE
To aid health professionals in integrating self-help materials into their mental health practices.


METHODS
A resource library of print, audiotape, and videotape self-help materials about common mental health issues was developed for a rural community. The materials were prescreened in order to ensure high quality, and health professionals were given training on how to integrate self-help into their practices. The library was actively used by both health professionals and community members, and most resources were borrowed, particularly the nonprint materials. Health professionals viewed the resources as a way to supplement their mental health practice and reduce demands on their time, as patients generally worked through the resources independently. Some improvements are planned for future implementations of the program, such as providing health professionals with a "prescription pad" of resources and implementing Stages of Change and stepped-care models to maximize the program's effectiveness.


CONCLUSIONS
Although more evidence is needed regarding the effectiveness of self-help within a family practice context, this program offers a promising way for family physicians to address mild to moderate mental health problems.
Faculty of Education, Mount Saint Vincent University, 166 Bedford Hwy, Halifax, NS B3M 2J6. Elizabeth.Church@msvu.ca
Elizabeth
E
Church
Peter
P
Cornish
Terrence
T
Callanan
Cheri
C
Bethune
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001638:Bibliotherapy / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004496:Education, Continuing / Q000458:organization & administration; D005194:Family Practice / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007253:Information Centers / Q000458:organization & administration; D055048:Integrative Medicine; D007993:Libraries, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009523:Newfoundland and Labrador; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D019035:Rural Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D012648:Self Care / Q000379:methods; D019455:Self Psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires