Planning estimates for the provision of core mental health services in Queensland 2007 to 2017.
OBJECTIVE
To derive planning estimates for the provision of public mental health services in Queensland 2007-2017.


METHODS
We used a five-step approach that involved: (i) estimating the prevalence and severity of mental disorders in Queensland, and the number of people at each level of severity treated by health services; (ii) benchmarking the level and mix of specialised mental health services in Queensland against national data; (iii) examining 5-year trends in Queensland public sector mental health service utilisation; (iv) reviewing Australian and international planning benchmarks; and (v) setting resource targets based on the results of the preceding four steps. Best available evidence was used where possible, supplemented by value judgements as required.


RESULTS
Recommended resource targets for inpatient service were: 20 acute beds per 100,000 population, consistent with national average service provision but 13% above Queensland provision in 2005; and 10 non-acute beds per 100,000, 65% below Queensland levels in 2005. Growth in service provision was recommended for all other components. Adult residential rehabilitation service targets were 10 clinical 24-hour staffed beds per 100,000, and 18 non-clinical beds per 100,000. Supported accommodation targets were 35 beds per 100,000 in supervised hostels and 35 places per 100,000 in supported public housing. A direct care clinical workforce of 70 FTE per 100,000 for ambulatory care services was recommended. Fifteen per cent of total mental health funding was recommended for community support services provided by non-government organisations.


CONCLUSIONS
The recommended targets pointed to specific areas for priority in Queensland, notably the need for additional acute inpatient services for older persons and expansion of clinical ambulatory care, residential rehabilitation and supported accommodation services. The development of nationally agreed planning targets for public mental health services and the mental health community support sector were identified as priorities.
School of Population Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. harrism@qcmhr.uq.edu.au
Meredith G
MG
Harris
William J
WJ
Buckingham
Jane
J
Pirkis
Aaron
A
Groves
Harvey
H
Whiteford
D000328:Adult; D019985:Benchmarking; D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D006285:Health Planning / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000191:economics* / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D020380:Needs Assessment / Q000191:economics; D011793:Queensland / Q000453:epidemiology