scholarly journals PALOMA Centre of Expertise for refugee mental health – from research to action

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
L Somersalo ◽  
J Mäki-Opas ◽  
A E Castaneda
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Health Work ◽  
Refugee Mental Health ◽  
Health Care Structure ◽  
Care Structure ◽  
National Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Policies ◽  
Mental Health Work ◽  
Project Personnel

Abstract Issue Previous migrant population studies have shown that immigrants experience higher level of psychological load than the overall population. This is especially prevalent in those with refugee background. The PALOMA project (Developing National Mental Health Policies for Refugees) was launched in 2016 to tackle this wellbeing cap. One outcome of the project was a PALOMA handbook, which includes recommendations as well as methods and tools for decision-makers, supervisors and professionals for promoting refugees' mental health and preventing, identifying and treating the problems. During the PALOMA project, the need for national coordination, establishing regional Centre of Expertises and support on refugees mental health work was recognized. Results To fulfill this need, the PALOMA2 project (National support system for refugee mental health work and the knowhow dissemination) started in February 2019. The PALOMA2-project establishes a Centre of Expertise for mental health work among refugees. The project personnel includes five regional experts, that each know the specific strengths and challenges of their region, and an expert from the 3rd sector, that ensures that the target group's and the 3rd sector's voice is heard throughout the project. Each of these six experts also pilot two tools from the PALOMA handbook. Lessons As a result of the PALOMA work, the mental health and mental health work with the refugees will be improved. The PALOMA Centre of Expertise will be a place of consultation, influencing, education, networking, developing and work guidance, and it will help all professionals that work in the field. Key messages The PALOMA Centre of Expertise is involved in developing different services in ways that improve refugee’s mental health and equal access for the developed services. The PALOMA Centre of Expertise will be a permanent part of the Finnish social and health care structure.

scholarly journals 18.L. Workshop: Public mental health policies - experiences and challenges

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Participatory Research ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Public Mental Health ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
National Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Policies

Abstract The workshop has the aim to help developing and strengthening policies for Public Mental Health and support experience sharing platform for Public Mental Health policy development. Mental health policy defines the vision for the future mental health of the national population and internationally. The WHOs developed three recommendations for the development of mental health policy, strategic plans and for organizing services which are to deinstitutionalise mental health care; to integrate mental health into general health care; and to develop community mental health services. For each this aim a situational analysis and needs assessment is recommended as first step. Therefore, this workshop consists of four talks in the development of mental health policies at the regional and national level. First, the process of population consultations and participatory research is described (Felix Sisenop). Participatory research enables exchanging experiences, results and key challenges in Public Mental Health. Participatory research can contribute greatly in empowering people to discuss and deal with mental health issues and therefore is a step towards a more involved and active general public. Second, a policy development at the regional level is described (Elvira Mauz). On behalf of the federal ministry of health the Robert Koch Institute as the German public health institute is currently developing a concept for a national Mental Health Surveillance (MHS). In the talk objectives, framework model and work processes are presented. The MHS should systematically gather, process and analyze primary and secondary data, thus an integrating and monitoring system is working. Third, the Public Mental Health policy in Malta will be described (John Cachia) Over the last 7 years CMH Malta developed a strategic framework for the mental health with the input of patients, families, service providers, NGOs and civil society. The Maltese National Mental Health Strategy 2020-2030 was published in July 2019. This strategy will be described in the Talk. Fourth presenter (Ignas Rubikas) will introduce the national perspective on development of Lithuanian mental health policy addressing major public mental health challenges of suicide prevention, alcohol control policies and mental health promotion in a broader context of national mental health care. Key messages Participatory research in Public Mental Health is an approach to involve the population in policy development. Development of mental health policies can benefit from sharing experiences and lessons learned on a national and regional levels.

Avoiding Psychiatric Disability Overdiagnosis, Part 1: General Disability and Occupational Disability—Going Beyond Medical Impairment Assessments

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 3-7
Author(s):  
Fabien Gagnon ◽  
Les Kertay
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Work Disability ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychiatric Disability ◽  
Disability Assessment ◽  
Health Work ◽  
Occupational Disability ◽  
The Past ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Mental Health Work

Abstract Claims of occupational psychiatric disability have increased considerably over the past 20 years. To avoid psychiatric disability overdiagnosis, it is important to improve the clinical assessment of mental health work disability. This article discusses general disability issues and their impact on individual well-being, social participation, and frequently associated poverty. It defines the difference between impairment assessment and disability assessment, explores three common disability models, and raises issues about psychiatric disability and its potential overdiagnosis.

Avoiding Psychiatric Disability Overdiagnosis (Part 2): Improving Diagnosis and Assessment of Mental Health Disorders and Psychiatric Work Disability

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (6) ◽  
pp. 15-18
Author(s):  
Fabien Gagnon ◽  
Les Kertay
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Work Disability ◽  
Mental Health Disorders ◽  
Psychiatric Disability ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Health Work ◽  
Occupational Disability ◽  
The Past ◽  
Health Disorders ◽  
Mental Health Work

Abstract Given the increase in psychiatric occupational disability claims over the past 20 years, better patient psychiatric assessment and management is critical. To minimize iatrogenic psychiatric disability and maximize positive outcomes, it is important to understand the issues involved and establish better procedures for diagnosing conditions and assessing any associated impact on function. This second article in a three-part series focuses on ways to improve the diagnosis and assessment of mental health work disability.

Situating mental health work in place: Qualitative findings from interviews with Veterans in Southeastern Louisiana and Northern California

2017 ◽  
Vol 47 ◽  
pp. 63-70
Author(s):  
Traci H. Abraham ◽  
Christopher J. Koenig ◽  
Kara Zamora ◽  
Coleen Hill ◽  
Madeline Uddo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Northern California ◽  
Health Work ◽  
Mental Health Work ◽  
Southeastern Louisiana
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