An algorithm for managing adults who refuse medical treatment in New South Wales

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 464-468 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kylie Cheng ◽  
Anne Wand ◽  
Christopher Ryan ◽  
Sascha Callaghan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Medical Treatment ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Clinical Skill ◽  
Treatment Refusal ◽  
Academic Literature ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Decision Making Capacity

Objectives: The assessment and management of a patient who refuses medical treatment requires clinical skill, and consideration of the relevant law and the patient’s decision-making capacity. Psychiatrists are often asked to advise in these situations. We aimed to develop an algorithm describing the relevant legal pathways to assist clinicians, especially psychiatrists, working in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Methods: We reviewed the academic literature on treatment refusal, relevant legislation, judicial rulings and NSW Health policy directives and guidelines. We consulted with clinicians and representatives of relevant tribunals. Results: We developed an algorithm for managing patients who refuse medical treatment in NSW. The algorithm emphases the evaluation of decision-making capacity and tracks separate pathways depending upon a person’s status under the Mental Health Act 2007 (NSW). Conclusions: The algorithm provides a clear decision tree for clinicians responding to a patient refusing medical treatment in NSW.

Mental health data: A case for the African communities in New South Wales

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-80
Author(s):  
Daniel Kwai Apat ◽  
Wellington Digwa
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Health Services ◽  
New South ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Community Members ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Health Related

This paper examines mental health policies in relation to African communities residing in New South Wales, Australia and the attitudes of African communities toward mental disorders and mental health services. Current mental health policy frameworks have shown an inadequate inclusion of African communities. This may negatively affect the design of mental health interventions and how African communities engage with mental health services. The available mental health literature on African communities showed disjointed and uncoordinated data which focuses on specific community-groups within African communities. Insufficient mental health or suicide data, combined with African community members’ perception toward mental disorders and mental health services, makes it very difficult to progress engagement and interventions. There is a need for proper and sizable data on mental health related to people of African descent in NSW and Australia wide, if positive outcomes are to be realised.

scholarly journals Involuntary community treatment in New South Wales, Australia

1995 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Hambridge ◽  
Nicola Watt
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Community Treatment ◽  
Compulsory Treatment ◽  
Perceived Benefits ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Mental Health Legislation ◽  
Health Legislation

The New South Wales Mental Health Act (1990) heralded a number of important changes to mental health legislation in the state. One of these was the option to give compulsory treatment to mentally ill clients living in the community. This article briefly explains community treatment under the Act, and the perceived benefits and the limitations of such legislation. A case example is used to illustrate some of these points. Involuntary community treatment is seen as a less restrictive alternative to hospitalisation for a number of mentally ill clients, but the use of such provisions demands significant resources from the supervising agency.

Emerging themes in Aboriginal child and adolescent mental health: findings from a qualitative study in Sydney, New South Wales

2010 ◽  
Vol 192 (10) ◽  
pp. 603-605 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna B Williamson ◽  
Beverley Raphael ◽  
Sally Redman ◽  
John Daniels ◽  
Sandra J Eades ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Adolescent Mental Health ◽  
Child And Adolescent ◽  
Aboriginal Child ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Emerging Themes

Mental health of animal hoarders: a study of consecutive cases in New South Wales

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (3) ◽  
pp. 480 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Snowdon ◽  
Graeme Halliday ◽  
Rosemary Elliott ◽  
Glenn E. Hunt ◽  
Steve Coleman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Services ◽  
New South ◽  
Good Reason ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Clinical Services ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Health Factors ◽  
Mental Health Factors ◽  
Psychiatric Problems

Objective The aim of this study was to review animal hoarding cases referred to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in New South Wales (NSW) to examine mental health factors that influence the development of animal hoarding and to consider strategies for dealing with such cases. Methods Data were gathered by RSPCA inspectors regarding consecutive cases referred to the agency over 2 years. Result Details were provided about animals and 50 identified hoarders (11 male, 39 female; mean age 57 years) on 48 properties. The mean number of animals per case was 53 (range 6–300). Fifteen participants (30%) were known to have had involvement with mental health or social services. Mental health factors appeared to contribute to animal hoarding in well over 50% of cases. Severe and moderate squalor were observed in 52% and 21% of dwellings assessed respectively, many with accumulated rubbish. Conclusions Animal hoarding is largely attributable to psychological and psychiatric problems. It is recommended that clinical services work alongside animal welfare inspectorates, assessing (and, where appropriate, treating) such problems. What is known about the topic? Animal hoarding is believed to be partly attributable to the hoarders having psychiatric or psychological problems, but relevant mental health assessment of hoarders is not usually arranged. Recidivism after removal of animals is nearly 100%. What does this paper add? The study confirms that animal hoarders commonly have mental health issues. However, RSPCA inspectors are not expected to screen for such issues or refer cases to mental health clinicians. What are the implications for practitioners? There is good reason to develop clinical services to help animal hoarders deal with their psychological or psychiatric problems.

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