title: Survey of northern informal and formal mental health practitioners.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This survey is part of a multi-year research study on informal and formal mental health support in northern Canada involving the use of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods in an effort to better understand mental health in a northern context.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The main objective of the 3-year study was to document the situation of formal and informal helpers in providing mental health support in isolated northern communities in northern British Columbia, northern Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The intent of developing a survey was to include more participants in the research and access those working in small communities who would be concerned regarding confidentiality and anonymity due to their high profile within smaller populations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Based on the in-depth interviews from the qualitative phase of the project, the research team developed a survey that reflected the main themes found in the initial qualitative analysis. The on-line survey consisted of 26 questions, looking at basic demographic information and presenting lists of possible challenges, supports and client mental health issues for participants to prioritise.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-two participants identified various challenges, supports and client issues relevant to their mental health support work. A vast majority of the respondents felt prepared for northern practice and had some level of formal education. Supports for longevity included team collaboration, knowledgeable supervisors, managers, leaders and more opportunities for formal education, specific training and continuity of care to support clients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  For northern-based research in small communities, the development of a survey allowed more participants to join the larger study in a way that protected their identity and confidentiality. The results from the survey emphasise the need for team collaboration, interdisciplinary practice and working with community strengths as a way to sustain mental health support workers in the North.
authors.affiliation: Counselling Program, School of Education, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC, Canada. loneill@unbc.ca
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: O'Neill
authors.forename: Serena
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: George
authors.forename: Stefanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sebok
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008875:Middle Aged; D005791:Patient Care; D000078329:Workforce
keywords: informal and formal practitioners; mental health; northern; research