Mental health service provision in rural Australia: a regional town–city comparison of two continuing care teams

Objective: The primary aims were to compare the characteristics and health outcomes of consumers entering a regional mental health service compared with a city service. Method: A retrospective audit was undertaken of consumers aged 18 and over from a regional town and city mental health service. Consumer demographics, diagnoses and outcomes were compared between the two services. The data analysis plan utilised descriptive statistics. For between-clinic comparisons, relevant inferential statistics was used. Results: Regional service patients had a significantly greater proportion of substance use disorder diagnoses. Outcome rating scales were higher (worse) for regional consumers. There was significantly less overall service utilisation for regional service consumers including shorter duration of episodes of care, less hospitalisations and less people treated under the Mental Health Act. Conclusions: There were a broader range of patient presentations in the regional town. Regional practitioners may specifically need more training and skills in treating substance use disorders.