Co-morbid drug and alcohol and mental health issues in a rural New South Wales Area Health Service.

Full Abstract

OBJECTIVE:
In 2003 the New South Wales (NSW) Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH) conducted an analysis of co-morbid drug and alcohol (D&A) and mental health issues for service providers and consumers in a rural NSW Area Health Service. This paper will discuss concerns raised by rural service providers and consumers regarding the care of people with co-morbid D&A and mental health disorders.

DESIGN:
Current literature on co-morbidity was reviewed, and local area clinical data were examined to estimate the prevalence of D&A disorders within the mental health service. Focus groups were held with service providers and consumer support groups regarding strengths and gaps in service provision.

SETTING:
A rural Area Health Service in NSW.

PARTICIPANTS:
Rural health and welfare service providers, consumers with co-morbid D&A and mental health disorders.

RESULTS:
Data for the rural area showed that 43% of inpatient and 20% of ambulatory mental health admissions had problem drinking or drug-taking. Information gathered from the focus groups indicated a reasonable level of awareness of co-morbidity, and change underway to better meet client needs; however, the results indicated a lack of formalised care coordination, unclear treatment pathways, and a lack of specialist care and resources.

DISCUSSION:
Significant gaps in the provision of appropriate care for people with co-morbid D&A and mental health disorders were identified. Allocation of service responsibly for these clients was unclear. It is recommended that D&A, mental health and primary care services collaborate to address the needs of clients so that a coordinated and systematic approach to co-morbid care can be provided.

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Author information

Author/s: Hoolahan, Bryan (B); Kelly, Brian (B); Stain, Helen J (HJ); Killen, Didi (D);

Affiliation: Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health, University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia. bryan.hoolahan(-atsign-)newcastle.edu.au

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: The Australian journal of rural health (Aust J Rural Health), published in Australia. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Aug; vol 14 (issue 4) : pp 148-53

Dates: Created 2006/08/16; Completed 2006/10/25; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 16911163, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Comorbidity
Delivery of Health Care - organization & administration
Female
Focus Groups
Health Care Surveys
Humans
Male
Mental Disorders - epidemiology; therapy

Mental Disorders - epidemiology; therapy
New South Wales - epidemiology
Prevalence
Quality Assurance, Health Care - methods
Rural Health Services - organization & administration
Rural Population - statistics & numerical data
Sex Distribution
Substance-Related Disorders - epidemiology; therapy

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