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Wang J, Pasyk SP, Slavin-Stewart C, Olagunju AT. Barriers to Mental Health care in Canada Identified by Healthcare Providers: A Scoping Review. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2024:10.1007/s10488-024-01366-2. [PMID: 38512557 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-024-01366-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The mental health treatment gap remains wide across the world despite mental illness being a significant cause of disability globally. Both end-user and healthcare provider perspectives are critical to understanding barriers to mental healthcare and developing interventions. However, the views of providers are relatively understudied. In this review, we synthesized findings from current literature regarding providers' perspectives on barriers to mental healthcare in Canada. We searched Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, and CINAHL for eligible Canadian studies published since 2000. Analysis and quality assessment were conducted on the included studies. Of 4,773 reports screened, 29 moderate-high quality studies were reviewed. Five themes of barriers emerged: health systems availability and complexity (reported in 72% of the studies), work conditions (55%), training/education (52%), patient accessibility (41%), and identity-based sensitivity (17%). Common barriers included lack of resources, fragmented services, and gaps in continuing education. Interestingly, clinicians often cited confusion in determining the ideal service for patients due to an overwhelming number of potential services without clear descriptions. These five domains of barriers present a synthesized review of areas of improvement for mental healthcare spanning both patients and clinicians. Canadian mental health systems face a need to improve capacity, clinician training, and in particular service navigability and collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Wang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University/St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - Stanislav P Pasyk
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University/St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - Claire Slavin-Stewart
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University/St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3K7, Canada
| | - Andrew T Olagunju
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University/St Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON, L8N 3K7, Canada.
- Discipline of Psychiatry, The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
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Giosa JL, Kalles E, McAiney C, Oelke ND, Aubrecht K, McNeil H, Habib-Perez O, Holyoke P. Co-designing action-oriented mental health conversations between care providers and ageing Canadians in the community: a participatory mixed-methods study protocol. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e079653. [PMID: 38296303 PMCID: PMC10831463 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The mental health of ageing Canadians is a growing concern, particularly post-pandemic. Older adults face systemic ageism and mental health stigma as pervasive barriers to seeking needed mental health support, care and treatment within health and social care systems. These barriers are exacerbated when service providers focus on physical healthcare needs or lack the skills and confidence to talk about and/or address mental health during routine visits. This study aims to co-design and test an evidence-based approach to mental health conversations at the point-of-care in home and community settings with older adults, family and friend caregivers and health and social care providers that could facilitate help-seeking activities and care access. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A participatory mixed-methods study design will be applied, guided by a Working Group of experts-by-experience (n=30). Phase 1 engages ageing Canadians in four online workshops (n=60) and a national survey (n=1000) to adapt an evidence-based visual model of mental health for use with older adults in home and community care. Phase 2 includes six co-design workshops with community providers (n=90) in rural and urban sites across three Canadian provinces to co-design tools, resources and processes for enabling the use of the adapted model as a conversation guide. Phase 3 involves pilot and feasibility testing the co-designed conversations with older adult clients of providers from Phase 2 (n=180). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Phases 1 and 2 of this study have received ethics clearance at the University of Waterloo (ORE #44187), University of British Columbia (#H22-02306) and St. Francis Xavier University (#26075). While an overview of Phase 3 is included, details will rely on Phase 2 outcomes. Knowledge mobilisation activities will include peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, webinars, newsletters, infographics and policy briefs. Interested audiences may include community organisations, policy and decision-makers and health and social care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justine L Giosa
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- SE Research Centre, Saint Elizabeth Health Care, Markham, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Kalles
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- SE Research Centre, Saint Elizabeth Health Care, Markham, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carrie McAiney
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nelly D Oelke
- School of Nursing, University of British Columbia Okanagan, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
- Rural Coordination Centre of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Katie Aubrecht
- Department of Sociology, St. Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Heather McNeil
- SE Research Centre, Saint Elizabeth Health Care, Markham, Ontario, Canada
| | - Olinda Habib-Perez
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Paul Holyoke
- SE Research Centre, Saint Elizabeth Health Care, Markham, Ontario, Canada
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Ramdawar A, Bozinoff N, Lazare K. "Not doing it justice": Perspectives of Recent Family Medicine Graduates on Mental Health and Addictions Training in Residency. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL EDUCATION AND CURRICULAR DEVELOPMENT 2024; 11:23821205241238642. [PMID: 38601795 PMCID: PMC11005487 DOI: 10.1177/23821205241238642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Family physicians report feeling inadequately prepared to meet the evolving mental health care needs of the population. Little scholarship exists evaluating the effectiveness of curricula designed to teach mental health and addiction (MH&A) care to family medicine (FM) residents. As such, the purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of recent FM residency graduates in providing mental health care, and their perceptions of mental health training gaps during their residencies. METHODS A qualitative descriptive study design was conducted by 8 recent graduates of the University of Toronto's FM residency program, who participated in semi-structured video interviews. A thematic analysis approach was used to collect and analyze the data. RESULTS Through thematic analysis, 3 overarching themes were developed: (1) barriers in providing mental health and addiction care, (2) curriculum renewal, and (3) the role of FPs and professional identity. Consistent with the literature, the majority of recent FM graduates expressed discomfort when managing patients with mental health and addiction concerns. Additionally, participants perceived residency program time constraints, rotational site differences, and limited exposure to marginalized populations all impacted learning and mastery of skills. CONCLUSION The findings of this study underscore current gaps within the FM residency curriculum and highlight the need to address current curricular deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Ramdawar
- Institute of Health Policy Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nikki Bozinoff
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kimberly Lazare
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- North York General Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Lavergne MR, Loyal JP, Shirmaleki M, Kaoser R, Nicholls T, Schütz CG, Vaughan A, Samji H, Puyat JH, Kaulius M, Jones W, Small W. The relationship between outpatient service use and emergency department visits among people treated for mental and substance use disorders: analysis of population-based administrative data in British Columbia, Canada. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:477. [PMID: 35410219 PMCID: PMC8996395 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07759-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Research findings on the association between outpatient service use and emergency department (ED) visits for mental and substance use disorders (MSUDs) are mixed and may differ by disorder type. Methods We used population-based linked administrative data in British Columbia, Canada to examine associations between outpatient primary care and psychiatry service use and ED visits among people ages 15 and older, comparing across people treated for three disorder categories: common mental disorders (MDs) (depressive, anxiety, and/or post-traumatic stress disorders), serious MDs (schizophrenia spectrum and/or bipolar disorders), and substance use disorders (SUDs) in 2016/7. We used hurdle models to examine the association between outpatient service use and odds of any ED visit for MSUDs as well count of ED visits for MSUDs, stratified by cohort in 2017/8. Results Having had one or more MSUD-related primary care visit was associated with lower odds of any ED visit among people treated for common MDs and SUDs but not people treated for serious MDs. Continuity of primary care was associated with slightly lower ED use in all cohorts. One or more outpatient psychiatrist visits was associated with lower odds of ED visits among people treated for serious MDs and SUDs, but not among people with common MDs. Conclusion Findings highlight the importance of expanded access to outpatient specialist mental health services, particularly for people with serious MDs and SUDs, and collaborative models that can support primary care providers treating people with MSUDs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07759-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ruth Lavergne
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Primary Care Research Unit, Dalhousie University, 1465 Brenton Street, Suite 402, Halifax, NS, B3J 3T4, Canada.
| | - Jackson P Loyal
- Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mehdi Shirmaleki
- Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ridhwana Kaoser
- Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tonia Nicholls
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.,BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Christian G Schütz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,BC Mental Health and Substance Use Services, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Adam Vaughan
- School of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, Canada
| | - Hasina Samji
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Joseph H Puyat
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Megan Kaulius
- Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wayne Jones
- Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - William Small
- Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.,BC Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Girard A, Ellefsen É, Roberge P, Bernard-Hamel J, Hudon C. Adoption of care management activities by primary care nurses for people with common mental disorders and physical conditions: A multiple case study. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2021; 28:838-855. [PMID: 34288278 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: The collaborative care model is a well-known model to improve care quality for people with common mental disorders and physical conditions in primary care. The role of care manager is central to the collaborative care model, and primary care nurses are well-positioned to play that role. Adopting the role of care manager by primary care nurses is challenging due to several contextual factors; however, few implementation studies examined the context and current practices before implementing the role of care manager and the collaborative care model. WHAT THE PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: The paper contributes to the advancement of knowledge about the pre-assessment of current practices before implementing the collaborative care model and the role of care manager. The paper offers a better understanding of the relationships between the context and the performance of care management activities by primary care nurses. The paper describes an innovative analysis technique to assess the gap between care management activities recommended in the collaborative care model and actual nursing activities. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Primary care nurses would benefit from having timely access to clinical support from mental health nurse practitioners in order to build their competency. Determinants of practice and the analysis technique to assess current practices will help other researchers or quality improvement teams to develop their plan when implementing the role of care manager. ABSTRACT: Introduction Few studies assessed current nursing practices before implementing the collaborative care model and the role of care manager for people with common mental disorders (CMDs) and physical conditions in primary care settings. Aim Evaluate the main determinants of practice that influence the adoption of care management activities by primary care nurses for people with CMDs and physical conditions. Methods A qualitative multiple case study was conducted in three primary care clinics. A total of 33 participants were recruited. Various data sources were combined: interviews (n = 32), nurse-patient encounters' observations (n = 7), documents and summaries of meetings with stakeholders (n = 8). Results Seven determinants were identified (1) access to external mental health resources; (2) clarification of local CMD care trajectory; (3) compatibility between the coordination of nursing work and the role of care manager; (4) availability of mental health resources within the primary care clinic; (5) competency in care management and competency building; (6) responsibility sharing between the general practitioner and the primary care nurse; and (7) common understanding of the patient treatment plan. Implications for practice To build their competency in care management for people with CMDs, primary care nurses would benefit from having clinical support from mental health nurse practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Girard
- École des Sciences infirmiéres, Faculté de Médecine et de Sciences de la Santé, École des Sciences Infirmières, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Édith Ellefsen
- École des Sciences infirmiéres, Faculté de Médecine et de Sciences de la Santé, École des Sciences Infirmières, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Pasquale Roberge
- Département de Médecine de Famille et de Médecine d'urgence, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier, Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Joëlle Bernard-Hamel
- École des Sciences infirmiéres, Faculté de Médecine et de Sciences de la Santé, École des Sciences Infirmières, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine Hudon
- Département de Médecine de Famille et de Médecine d'urgence, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.,Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier, Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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6
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Chicoine G, Côté J, Pepin J, Pluye P, Boyer L, Fontaine G, Rouleau G, Dubreucq S, Jutras-Aswad D. Impact of a videoconferencing educational programme for the management of concurrent disorders on nurses' competency development and clinical practice: protocol for a convergent mixed methods study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e042875. [PMID: 33727265 PMCID: PMC7970219 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-042875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (Project ECHO©) is an innovative model for continuing professional development that uses videoconferencing technology to support and train general practitioners remotely. The model has been replicated to a variety of settings and locations for capacity building in healthcare professionals caring for patients with chronic and complex health conditions. Limited research has been conducted so far on the impact of ECHO in the field of concurrent mental health and substance use disorders (ie, concurrent disorders (CDs)). Therefore, this mixed methods study aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of an ECHO programme impact for CD management on nurses' competency development and clinical practice. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The proposed mixed methods study, based on a convergent parallel design, will be conducted in the province of Quebec, Canada, to collect, analyse and interpret quantitative (QUAN) and qualitative (QUAL) data from a specific ECHO Program on CDs. In the QUAN component, an observational prospective cohort study will be conducted over a 12-month period. All nurses who participated in the programme between 2018 and 2020 and who consent to research will be recruited to collect data on the extent of their learning and practice outcomes at three time points. Alongside the surveys, nurses will be invited to participate in individual semistructured interviews. In-depth QUAL data will be subjected to a thematic analysis and will assist in exploring how and in which conditions nurses developed and mobilised their competencies in clinical practice. A comparison-of-results strategy will be used in the final integration component of the study. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Université de Montréal Hospital Center (#19.295) and the Université de Montréal Ethics Committee (CERSES-20-017 R). We aim to disseminate the findings through international academic conferences, international peer-reviewed journals and professional media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Chicoine
- Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Research Center, Université de Montréal Hospital Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Research Chair in Innovative Nursing Practices, Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - José Côté
- Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Research Center, Université de Montréal Hospital Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Research Chair in Innovative Nursing Practices, Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jacinthe Pepin
- Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pierre Pluye
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Louise Boyer
- Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Guillaume Fontaine
- Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Research Center, Institut de Cardiologie de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Geneviève Rouleau
- Research Chair in Innovative Nursing Practices, Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Simon Dubreucq
- Research Center, Université de Montréal Hospital Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Didier Jutras-Aswad
- Research Center, Université de Montréal Hospital Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Psychiatry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Pei J, Poth C, Tremblay M, Walker M. An Integrative Systems Approach to Enhancing Service Delivery for Individuals with Complex Needs. CURRENT DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40474-021-00223-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
There are a lack of system-wide integrative services for individuals with complex needs and a corresponding demand for advancing cross-disciplinary practices in community settings. This demand is especially acute for individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and a gap we have sought to address.
Recent Findings
We present findings from a literature scan to guide service delivery for individuals and families affected by FASD and other complex needs: four overarching guiding principles for policy decision-makers, seven guiding practices for organizations, and 23 guiding practices for service providers.
Summary
These identified principles and practices bridge diverse perspectives, with potential for their implementation to provide consistent, evidence-based services to underserved populations with complex needs.
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8
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Ganann R, Sword W, Newbold K, Thabane L, Armour L, Kint B. Provider Perspectives on Facilitators and Barriers to Accessible Service Provision for Immigrant Women With Postpartum Depression: A Qualitative Study. Can J Nurs Res 2019; 51:191-201. [DOI: 10.1177/0844562119852868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immigrant women are at greater risk for postpartum depression than native-born women and face multiple barriers to accessing services. Service providers themselves face challenges in delivering accessible care for immigrant women with postpartum depression. Purpose This research explored provider perspectives on facilitators and barriers providers faced in terms of providing accessible services. Methods The study used an interpretive descriptive design, shaped by an integrated knowledge user–researcher partnership. Fourteen health and social service providers participated in individual in-depth interviews. Using a socioecological framework as an organizing structure, an inductive thematic content analysis was conducted. Results Providers identified attributes that foster relationship building, including building trust, addressing power dynamics, understanding women’s experiences, enacting cultural competence, involving family members, providing adequate time, and facilitating system navigation. Organizational features shaping accessibility included assessment and treatment approaches, wait times, gate keeping, and the ability to address social health determinants. Different organizational approaches could facilitate or discourage service coordination across organizations. Finally, providers believed that health and immigration system mechanisms could work more effectively for optimal postpartum depression support. Conclusion Health service providers are critical in supporting immigrant women with postpartum depression and facilitating service accessibility. Organizational and system gaps restrict optimal postpartum depression service provision and integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Ganann
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - W. Sword
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - K.B. Newbold
- School of Geography & Earth Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - L. Thabane
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - L. Armour
- Aisling Discoveries Child and Family Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - B. Kint
- Toronto Public Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Salami B, Salma J, Hegadoren K. Access and utilization of mental health services for immigrants and refugees: Perspectives of immigrant service providers. Int J Ment Health Nurs 2019; 28:152-161. [PMID: 29984880 DOI: 10.1111/inm.12512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Immigrant and refugee populations experience life stressors due to difficult migration journeys and challenges in leaving one country and adapting to another. These life stressors result in adverse mental health outcomes when coupled with a lack of adequate support-enhancing resources. One area of support is access to and use of mental health services to prevent and address mental health concerns. Immigrant service providers in Canada support the integration and overall well-being of newcomers. This study focuses on immigrant service providers' perceptions of access to and use of mental health services for immigrants and refugees in Alberta. A qualitative descriptive design was used to collect and analyse the perspectives of 53 immigrant service providers recruited from nine immigrant serving agencies in Alberta between November 2016 and January 2017. Data were collected using a combination of individual interviews and focus groups, followed by thematic data analysis to identify relevant themes. Barriers to access and use of mental health services include language barriers, cultural interpretations of mental health, stigma around mental illness, and fear of negative repercussions when living with a mental illness. Strategies to improve mental health service delivery include developing community-based services, attending to financial barriers, training immigrant service providers on mental health, enhancing collaboration across sectors in mental health service delivery, and advancing the role of interpreters and cultural brokers. Overall, immigrant service providers present a nuanced view of the complex and inter-related barriers immigrants and refugees experience and identify potential approaches to enhancing mental health service delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bukola Salami
- Faculty of Nursing, Level 3, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jordana Salma
- Faculty of Nursing, Level 3, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kathleen Hegadoren
- Faculty of Nursing, Level 3, Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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10
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O'Mahony J, Clark N. Immigrant Women and Mental Health Care: Findings from an Environmental Scan. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2018; 39:924-934. [PMID: 30273096 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2018.1479903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Immigrant women's mental health is a growing public health policy issue. New immigrant mothers may be particularly vulnerable to less than optimal mental health following childbirth given the cultural and geographic isolation, socioeconomic factors, gender roles, and language difficulties that influence their postpartum experiences. The purpose of this environmental scan was to increase understanding of immigrant women's perinatal mental health care services within the interior of a western Canadian province. Four interrelated themes emerged to impact postpartum health of immigrant women: (i) community capacity building, (ii) facilitators of mental health support and care, (iii) barriers of mental health promotion and support, and (iv) public policy and postpartum depression. Knowledge gained from this study contributes to healthy public policy and practices that promote mental health and support among immigrant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce O'Mahony
- a School of Nursing , Thompson Rivers University , Kamloops , BC , Canada
| | - Nancy Clark
- b Faculty of Human and Social Development, School of Nursing , University of Victoria , Victoria , BC , Canada
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