Objective: e-Mental health services have been shown to be effective and cost-effective for the treatment of depression. However, to have optimal impact in reducing the burden of depression, strategies for wider reach and uptake are needed.
Method:A review was conducted to assess the evidence supporting use of e-mental health programmes for treating depression. From the review, models of dissemination and gaps in translation were identified, with a specific focus on characterising barriers and facilitators to uptake within the Australian healthcare context. Finally, recommendations for promoting the translation of e-mental health services in Australia were developed.Results: There are a number of effective and cost-effective e-health applications available for treating depression in community and clinical settings. Four primary models of dissemination were identified: unguided, health service-supported, private ownership and clinically guided. Barriers to translation include clinician reluctance, consumer awareness, structural barriers such as funding and gaps in the translational evidence base.
Conclusion:Key strategies for increasing use of e-mental health programmes include endorsement of e-mental health services by government entities, education for clinicians and consumers, adequate funding of e-mental health services, development of an accreditation system, development of translation-focused activities and support for further translational research. The impact of these implementation strategies is likely to include economic gains, reductions in disease burden and greater availability of more interventions for prevention and treatment of mental ill-health complementary to existing health and efficient evidence-based mental health services.
While research on aspects of injecting drug use (IDU), including injecting and sexual risks for HIV transmission, has been progressing in ‘mainstream’ Australian populations, there has been little among non‐English speaking background (NESB) communities in Australia, particularly the South‐East Asian communities, of which the Vietnamese is the largest. This exploratory study employed and trained peer workers to recruit and interview IDUs of Vietnamese origin in Melbourne on a wide range of subjects related to risks associated with their drug using, as an initial assessment of risk‐taking behaviours for blood‐borne viruses among Vietnamese‐speaking IDUs. A finger‐prick blood sample was taken where possible to measure antibody status to HIV, HBV and HCV.
The profile which emerged was not dissimilar to that of their English‐speaking counterparts prior to the benefit of currently available harm‐reduction programs. A relatively isolated group whose social world often related only to other Vietnamese‐speaking drug users, they were engaging in unsafe sex and unsafe injecting and were unfamiliar with procedures for cleaning injecting equipment and where they could seek out information and services, including needle exchanges. This study has identified an urgent need not only to promote currently available information and services to this group, but also to provide culturally relevant education and other harm‐reduction measures needed to prevent transmission of HIV, other BBVs and STDs. The study has highlighted the lack of responsiveness of mainstream health services to the needs of Vietnamese‐speaking IDUs.
This paper describes the purpose and process of a 15 month project established to develop resources to assist people who are seeking to use a community development approach in addressing health issues.
; Where the Mind Meets the Mouth-an integrated and collaborative health care approach Conclusion: By responding to community needs, encouraging dialogue and sharing between consumers, health professionals and carers, we can truly collaborate in the delivery of primary preventive integrated health care, bringing the mind, body and mouth together.
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