The effect of changes to Australian Capital Territory mental health legislation on rates of emergency detention

2021 ◽  
pp. 103985622199263
Author(s):  
Miriam Saffron ◽  
Deepa Singhal
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Psychiatric Treatment ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Australian Capital Territory ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Australian Capital ◽  
Period 2 ◽  
Mental Health Legislation ◽  
Health Legislation

Objectives: The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) changed from the Mental Health (Treatment and Care) Act 1994 (ACT) to the Mental Health Act 2015 (ACT) on 1 March 2016. The objective was to find the association between legislative changes and detention rates. Methods: A cross-sectional study of involuntary order rates in the period 3 years before the legislative change was undertaken. Chi-squared analysis was performed to compare proportions. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of Psychiatric Treatment Orders (PTOs) over the two periods, which could be impacted by the change from a period of detention for 7 days to a period of detention of 11 days in Period 2. On the other hand, the total number of Emergency Actions (EAs) increased in Period 2, where ambulance officers could detain patients. Conclusion: The change in mental health legislation in the ACT was associated with a change in detention rates, in particular a decrease in the proportion of PTOs and an increase in EAs. Further study needs to be undertaken, given changes to frontline supports since the study period ended.

Use of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act (1984) in south Glasgow

2003 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 141-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
John R. Taylor ◽  
K. B. Idris
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Information System ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hand Search ◽  
Health Officer ◽  
Mental Health Legislation ◽  
Health Legislation

Aims and MethodA cross-sectional survey of the use of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 in a defined urban area. Patients initially detained under civil sections (Sections 24, 25, 26 and 18) between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998 were identified using the hospital information system and a hand search of section papers.ResultsThere were 283 detentions involving 204 patients that lasted a median of 6 days. A total of 98% of patients were initially detained on a 72-hour ‘emergency section’. A total of 61% had non-organic psychotic disorders (172/283). Less than half of detentions were during the working week. Consent was usually provided by the mental health officer or relatives, but was not provided for 11% of detentions. Patients detained after admission were more likely to be detained for a longer period (29 v. 3 days) and to have their detention extended over 72 hours (64% v. 41%) compared with those detained in the community.Clinical ImplicationsThis paper provides information on some of the gaps identified by recent reviews of mental health legislation in Scotland and discusses the possible impact of the changes proposed by the Millan Committee. The workload of general adult consultant psychiatrists is likely to increase and the proportion of patients detained without consent could also increase. The study supports the differentiation of patients detained after admission from those detained in the community, as the patterns of detention are different.

Attitudes and experiences of nursing staff to the Mental Health Act 2001: lessons for future mental health legislation

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Doherty ◽  
F. Jabbar ◽  
B. D. Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Nursing Staff ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mental Health Act ◽  
Clinical Nursing ◽  
Mental Health Legislation ◽  
Paper Work ◽  
Health Legislation ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesThe Mental Health Act 2001 was implemented in 2006 to bring Ireland into line with international practice and United Nations Conventions on Human Rights. Previous studies have reported some practical difficulties for the professionals involved. We wished to examine the experiences of nursing staff and the impact of the Act on clinical nursing practice since its implementation.MethodThis cross-sectional survey was conducted by questionnaire. It contained questions examining training in and attitudes to the Act, and any resultant changes in nursing practise.ResultsA total of 317 questionnaires were returned. Of the nurses, 92% reported having received training in the Act, and 56% of nursing staff believed that their workload had increased as a result of the change in legislation. Of those who made a comment, 76.5% were negative, with increased paper work, lack of clarity and an excessive focus on legalities being the most common difficulties reported.ConclusionsNursing staff have shown mixed attitudes to the Mental Health Act 2001, but many of the difficulties encountered are similar to those experienced by other professionals.

scholarly journals Use of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act (1984) in south Glasgow

2003 ◽  
Vol 27 (04) ◽  
pp. 141-144
Author(s):  
John R. Taylor ◽  
K. B. Idris
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Information System ◽  
Psychotic Disorders ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hand Search ◽  
Health Officer ◽  
Mental Health Legislation ◽  
Health Legislation

Aims and Method A cross-sectional survey of the use of the Mental Health (Scotland) Act 1984 in a defined urban area. Patients initially detained under civil sections (Sections 24, 25, 26 and 18) between 1 April 1997 and 31 March 1998 were identified using the hospital information system and a hand search of section papers. Results There were 283 detentions involving 204 patients that lasted a median of 6 days. A total of 98% of patients were initially detained on a 72-hour ‘emergency section’. A total of 61% had non-organic psychotic disorders (172/283). Less than half of detentions were during the working week. Consent was usually provided by the mental health officer or relatives, but was not provided for 11% of detentions. Patients detained after admission were more likely to be detained for a longer period (29 v. 3 days) and to have their detention extended over 72 hours (64% v. 41%) compared with those detained in the community. Clinical Implications This paper provides information on some of the gaps identified by recent reviews of mental health legislation in Scotland and discusses the possible impact of the changes proposed by the Millan Committee. The workload of general adult consultant psychiatrists is likely to increase and the proportion of patients detained without consent could also increase. The study supports the differentiation of patients detained after admission from those detained in the community, as the patterns of detention are different.

scholarly journals Knowledge, stigma, and beliefs toward mental illnesses among schoolteachers in Damascus

2021 ◽  
pp. 002076402110157
Author(s):  
Youssef Latifeh ◽  
MHD Wael Jaredh ◽  
Lulia Nasri ◽  
Duaa Shriedy ◽  
Ayat Al-Mahdi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Psychiatric Treatment ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Mental Illnesses ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Psychiatric Illnesses ◽  
Religious Thoughts

Background: Teachers have an important role in promoting the mental wellbeing of their students, hence their knowledge and attitudes toward mental health disorders should be assessed. A very few studies regarding this topic were conducted in Syria, but due to the recent events which have had occurred the country, it is essential to deal with students who suffer from mental illnesses professionally especially that such disorders may be stigmatized by the society. Aims: This paper aims to investigate knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes toward mental disorders in a sample of Syrian schoolteachers. Method: A cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaire was conducted in Damascus and Refdimashq, involving 400 teachers from 16 schools. Results: The results showed that the prevalence of stigmatizing positions toward psychiatric illnesses was low among teachers. The contributors did not state a correlation between spiritual beliefs and psychological disorders. It was also found that teachers were neutral in their knowledge about mental illnesses and psychiatric treatment or interventions along with their mental health resources. However, 42.5% of the participants use the internet for such purposes. Conclusion: In general, teachers of Damascus and its Refdimashq had a reasonable degree of awareness about mental disorders and treatments. Furthermore, neither stigma nor the relation between religious thoughts and mental disorders had been ascertained.

scholarly journals Paramedics and ACT mental health legislation

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ellen J Bradley ◽  
Ruth Townsend ◽  
Michael Eburn
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Police Officers ◽  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Best Interests ◽  
Decision Making Capacity ◽  
Mental Health Legislation ◽  
Health Legislation ◽  
Legal And Ethical Issues

IntroductionOn 15 May 2014, the Minister for Health, The Hon Katy Gallagher presented the Mental Health (Treatment and Care) Amendment Bill 2014 (‘the Bill’) to the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly (1). The Bill was subsequently passed on 30 October 2014. One recommendation contained in the proposed Bill is to extend powers of apprehension, which are currently only held by police officers, to approved ACT paramedics. The power may be exercised without regard to the patient’s decision making capacity. This paper explores some of the legal and ethical issues associated with the proposed legislation.MethodsThis paper reviews the Bill in light of underlying legal and ethical principles that are relevant to the treatment of the mentally ill and paramedic practice.ResultsIt is demonstrated that there are arguments both in favour of, and against the proposal to grant paramedics powers of apprehension.ConclusionWhether allowing paramedics to detain a person who is mentally ill will work in the best interests of the patients remains to be seen but caution must be exercised to protect the paramedic/patient relationship.

scholarly journals Assessing the Care Modality Preferences and Predictors for Digital Mental Health Treatment Seekers in a Technology-Enabled Stepped Care Delivery System: Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elissa Kozlov ◽  
Meghan McDarby ◽  
Maximo Prescott ◽  
Myra Altman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Treatment ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Stepped Care ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health Treatment

BACKGROUND Access to mental health services continues to be a systemic problem in the United States and around the world owing to a variety of barriers including the limited availability of skilled providers and lack of mental health literacy among patients. Individuals seeking mental health treatment may not be aware of the multiple modalities of digital mental health care available to address their problems (eg, self-guided and group modalities, or one-to-one care with a provider). In fact, one-to-one, in-person treatment is the dominant care model with a masters- or doctoral-level trained mental health provider, and it may or may not be the appropriate or preferred level of care for an individual. Technology-enabled mental health platforms may be one way to improve access to mental health care by offering stepped care, but more research is needed to understand the care modality preferences of digital mental health care seekers because additional modalities become increasingly validated as effective treatment options. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to describe and evaluate the predictors of care modality preferences among individuals enrolled in a technology-enabled stepped mental health care platform. METHODS This exploratory, cross-sectional study used employee data from the 2021 Modern Health database, an employer-sponsored mental health benefit that uses a technology-enabled platform to optimize digital mental health care delivery. Chi-square tests and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were conducted to evaluate associations among the categorical and continuous factors of interest and the preferred care modality. Bivariate logistic regression models were constructed to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) of preferring a one-on-one versus self-guided group, or no preference for digital mental health care modalities. RESULTS Data were analyzed for 3661 employees. The most common modality preference was one-on-one care (1613/3661, 44.06%). Approximately one-fourth of the digital mental health care seekers (881/3661, 24.06%) expressed a preference for pursuing self-guided care, and others (294/3661, 8.03%) expressed a preference for group care. The ORs indicated that individuals aged 45 years and above were significantly more likely to express a preference for self-guided care compared to individuals aged between 18 and 24 years (OR 2.47, 95% CI 1.70-3.59; <i>P</i>&lt;.001). Individuals screening positive for anxiety (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.62-0.86; <i>P</i>&lt;.001) or depression (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.66-0.95; <i>P</i>=.02) were more likely to prefer one-on-one care. CONCLUSIONS Our findings elucidated that care modality preferences vary and are related to clinical severity factors and demographic variables among individuals seeking digital mental health care. CLINICALTRIAL

scholarly journals Evaluation of mental health and occupational stress in Mexican medical residents

Salud Mental ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 43 (5) ◽  
pp. 209-218
Author(s):  
Sofía Vidal de la Fuente ◽  
Janet Real Ramírez ◽  
Jesús Abrahán Ruíz Rosas ◽  
Daniela Morera González
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Psychiatric Treatment ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Medical Residents ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Characteristics Method ◽  
Specialized Care ◽  
Severe Psychopathology

Introduction. Since mental health disorders are an emerging problem in medical residents, its detection and attention must be a priority. Objetive. To compare the frequency of psychopathology in residents according to sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Method. We conducted a cross-sectional study evaluating the presence of psychopathology, as well as sociodemographic and clinical characteristics in 644 residents through online questionnaires. Results. Among participants, 55.7% reported a psychiatric disorder at some point and 29.2% a current one; only 41.5% were under treatment. Additionally, 8.1% had attempted suicide, of which 32.4% attempted it during residency. We found that 6.5% of women and 3.3% of men presented “risk of psychopathology,” with a higher percentage of men presenting “severe psychopathology.” Individuals with “risk of psychopathology” presented significantly higher scores on all of the questionnaires, compared to those with “absence of psychopathology.” Discussion and conclusion. Residents with occupational stress also presented higher risks of psychopathology, suicide, and substance use. Being under psychiatric treatment significantly improved the scores on the different scales. Because residency is a period that may increase the probability of suffering psychopathology, interventions should be aimed at reducing occupational stress and bringing specialized care.

Obtaining consent for non-psychiatric treatment of persons detained under mental health legislation in Australia and New Zealand: is there cross-jurisdictional consistency?

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 486-490
Author(s):  
Tessa Daws
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Psychiatric Treatment ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Appropriate Treatment ◽  
Mental Health Legislation ◽  
The Law ◽  
Health Legislation ◽  
Psychiatric Facilities

Objective: It is increasingly recognised that persons with mental illness experience physical health issues at greater rates than the general population and that there are significant barriers to accessing appropriate treatment. One less obvious barrier to appropriate care may be the law. This review examines the legal regimes within Australia and New Zealand that regulate consent for medical and surgical treatment for persons detained under mental health legislation. The review begins with a brief overview of concepts of consent and capacity then examines the law with regards to consent for non-psychiatric treatment for persons detained in psychiatric facilities. The complexity and cross-jurisdictional consistency is considered and potential future directions and possibilities for reform are discussed. Conclusion: Examination of the different laws regarding consent for medical or surgical treatment for persons admitted to psychiatric facilities are complex and demonstrate lack of consistency across jurisdictions. Reform in this area might be considered to achieve greater consistency and clarity for both health professionals and consumers.

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