The MATES Case Management Model: Presenting Problems and Referral Pathways for a Novel Peer-Led Approach to Addressing Suicide in the Construction Industry

Abstract

MATES in Construction (MATES) is a multimodal, peer-led, workplace suicide prevention and early intervention program developed to reduce the risk of suicide among construction industry workers through active facilitation of appropriate support. The MATES case management model provides an example of a nonclinical service for meeting the needs of individuals in the construction industry who, while at elevated risk of mental health problems and suicidality, are traditionally less likely to seek help. The aim of this research was to conduct an evaluation of the MATES case management database to quantify service demand, and to examine the demographic, occupational profile, presenting issues, referral pathways, and perceived benefit of case management among individuals who used this service. The research reports on routinely collected data from the Queensland MATES case management database, which contains records on 3759 individuals collected over the period 2010–2018, and findings from a small and opportunistic exit survey undertaken with 14 clients in 2019. Overall, findings suggest that the demand for case management through MATES has increased significantly and that clients felt that their needs and concerns were appropriately addressed. The most common presenting issues were relationship, work, and family problems, suicide, and mental health concerns. Findings confirm that causes of distress extend beyond the realm of mental disorder and span a range of psychosocial issues. Significantly, it offers an approach that may divert individuals in crisis away from presenting to over-run emergency departments, and towards services that are more equipped to meet their individual needs.

Construction of Nursing Practice Model in Case Management of Concurrent Chemotherapy and Radiochemotherapy Treatment in Cervical Cancer

“…In the field of social work, case management is defined as a practical strategy and method of providing services. "The main goal of case management is to provide the most efficient and high-quality services for individuals with multiple needs and optimize customer service [8]." Although there are differences in definitions between different disciplines, a consensus is that case management does not stay at a certain stage or limited to a certain place but occurs in the whole process of continuous service provision, aiming to continuously meet individual needs.…”

Mental health challenges of manual and trade workers in the construction industry: a systematic review of causes, effects and interventions

“…The trend can be partially explained by the higher funding support provided by the government and other organisations in Australia to research mental health in the construction industry (Gullestrup et al. , 2011; Doran et al. , 2021).…”

“…(2011), MATES has five key objectives: (1) universal prevention, (2) selective prevention , (3) indicated prevention , (4) treatment and (5) postvention . It has been acknowledged as an effective program that has helped change the beliefs around suicide and mental health in the construction industry since its introduction in 2008 (Doran et al. , 2021).…”

“…Surprisingly, all the researchers in Figure 1 are affiliated with institutes, organisations and universities in Australia, although poor mental health in the construction industry is a global concern. The trend can be partially explained by the higher funding support provided by the government and other organisations in Australia to research mental health in the construction industry (Gullestrup et al, 2011;Doran et al, 2021). Similar initiatives in other countries could drive more research efforts on this vital topic.…”

“…According to Gullestrup et al (2011), MATES has five key Mental health of manual and trade workers objectives: (1) universal prevention, (2) selective prevention, (3) indicated prevention, (4) treatment and (5) postvention. It has been acknowledged as an effective program that has helped change the beliefs around suicide and mental health in the construction industry since its introduction in 2008 (Doran et al, 2021). In addition, many workers have been found willing to become Connectors, demonstrating that much of the construction workforce is willing to listen and help those seeking help for mental health issues.…”