GP perspectives on a psychiatry phone line in Western Australia's Great Southern region: implications for addressing rural GP workload

BACKGROUND

Mental illness is a public health challenge disproportionately affecting rural Australians. GPs provide most of the mental health care, and they report increasing levels of burnout and unsustainable workload in the context of increased patient complexity. This may be more salient in rural settings characterised by resource constraints. In this paper, we use evaluation data from a GP psychiatry phone line established in Western Australia's Great Southern region in 2021 to describe GPs' perspectives on the service and reflect on how it may help alleviate rural GP workload.

METHODS

The sample was recruited among GPs practicing in the region. Data were collected through an online survey and semistructured interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the survey data. Interview data were subjected to thematic analysis; qualitative survey data were used for triangulation.

RESULTS

A total of 45GPs completed the survey and 14 were interviewed. Interview data yielded three themes: the criticality of timeliness; the building blocks of confidence; and trust. GPs were highly satisfied with the service, and timeliness and trust were the characteristics underpinning its effectiveness. The service built GPs' confidence in managing mental health and alcohol and other drug use issues through strengthening knowledge and providing reassurance.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that a telephone line operated by trusted, local psychiatrists with knowledge of the local mental health ecosystem of support can reduce rural GP workload through building confidence and strengthening personal agency, helping GPs navigate the ethical and clinical labyrinth of managing patient complexity in rural settings.

The impact of facilitators and rural immersion on medical student engagement during a child and adolescent mental health videoconference workshop

OBJECTIVE

Child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) disorders are a major public health problem in Australia, especially outside metropolitan areas. The issue is compounded by a shortage of child and adolescent psychiatrists (CAPs). CAMH receives minimal coverage in health professional training, training opportunities are scarce, and support for generalist health professionals, who treat most cases, is lacking. Novel approaches to early medical education and teaching are required to strengthen the available skilled workforce in rural and remote settings.

METHOD

This qualitative study explored the factors influencing medical student engagement in a CAMH videoconferencing workshop as part of the Rural Clinical School of WA.

RESULTS

Our results confirm the priority of personal characteristics of medical educators, over clinical and subject matter expertise, on student learning. This research affirms that general practitioners are well-placed to facilitate recognition of learning experiences, especially given that students may not readily recognise exposure to CAMH cases.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support the effectiveness, efficiencies, and benefits of utilising general medical educators in supporting child and adolescent psychiatry expertise in delivering subspecialty training within medical school curricula.

Developing fit-for-purpose funding models for rural settings: Lessons from the evaluation of a step-up/step-down service in regional Australia

INTRODUCTION

Sub-acute mental health community services provide a bridging service between hospital and community care. There is limited understanding of the local factors that influence success, and of the funding implications of delivering services in rural areas.

METHODS

This paper draws from quantitative and qualitative evaluation data from a regional Western Australian service to explore these issues.

RESULTS

Consumers satisfaction with the service was high and, overall, admission to the service resulted in positive outcomes. High re-admission rates may be linked to limited community support services following discharge.

DISCUSSION

Our results suggest that outcomes may be enhanced by implementing flexible approaches that address the resource limitations of the rural context, and that the current funding model for sub-acute mental health services in rural Australian may not be fit for purpose. More needs to be understood about how these services can be better integrated with existing support services, and how they can be better funded.

A rural ecosystem of recovery: Lessons from substance users' experiences of accessing services in Western Australia's South West

INTRODUCTION

Substance use is a public health issue with a greater burden in rural areas. Barriers to accessing services are exacerbated for rural substance users, with confidentiality concerns, longer travel distances, workforce issues and limited availability of services. This paper presents results from a study exploring substance users' experiences of accessing services in Western Australia's South West.

METHODS

This qualitative study was informed by phenomenology, and drew from social determinants and socio-ecological theories. Data were collected through 22 semi-structured telephone interviews with current and past substance users residing in the South West. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcripts were subjected to thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Two themes were identified: readiness to engage as a three-way street; and building an ecosystem of recovery networks. Effective engagement with services required multi-level readiness. Individual readiness was strongly influenced by the social environment, while service readiness required trustworthiness and responsiveness. A number of local access barriers were identified that hindered broader system readiness. Participants experienced recovery as on-going and require an ecosystem of support with peer support at the centre and a network of healthy relationships established through meaningful connections.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

An effective ecosystem of support for alcohol and other drugs users in the South West should include expanded access to health, community and welfare services, with an emphasis on peer-led support programs, and strong cross-sector collaboration to mitigate the access barriers operating at the broader community level. Lessons from our study can inform the development of rural ecosystems of support for alcohol and other drugs users.

Responding to rural adversity: a qualitative study of alcohol and other drug service users' experiences of service response to COVID-19 in Western Australia's Southwest

OBJECTIVE

This study reports on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lived experiences of people with substance use problems in accessing services in the Southwest region of Western Australia, and its implications for preparedness in a context of rural adversity.

METHOD

This was a qualitative study informed by the principles of phenomenology. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and subjected to thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-two participants were interviewed. Two main themes were identified: disruption to supportive connections; and bridging the connection gap: local service response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions exacerbated social isolation and mental health issues, and disrupted services and treatment in the Southwest. Our results demonstrate that local alcohol and other drug services in rural areas can successfully respond to crises by assertively and flexibly adapting their service provision.

Rethinking Accessibility in Light of the Orange Declaration: Applying a Socio-Ecological Lens to Rural Mental Health Commissioning

The prevalence of mental illness is a critical public health issue. In Australia, the prevalence of mental illness is similar across all settings, however, people living in rural and remote areas experience worse outcomes than their urban counterparts. Access to mental health services is critical, however, the notion of accessibility needs to be understood in the context of the uniqueness and variability of the rural experience. The Orange Declaration on Rural and Remote Mental Health recognized that rural areas face a series of interconnected challenges and called for place-specific responses and new funding models that reward collaboration and local partnerships. In this paper, we argue that recent mental health planning, policy and service development uses a narrow interpretation of the notion of accessibility that is out of step with current thinking on the heterogeneity of the rural experience. We use some examples of our own research and experience in rural Western Australia to argue that the current commissioning model is not aligned with the Orange Declaration, and remains largely metro-centric and reliant on a narrow conceptualization of service accessibility. We argue that what is needed is a dynamic, responsive, context-sensitive understanding of accessibility that is informed by the distinctiveness of rural adversity, and recognizes the heterogeneity and variability of the rural experience whilst acknowledging rural agency and social capital, and we suggest that applying a socio-ecological approach to the development of new commissioning models provides a way forward.

An evaluation of junior doctors' experience in smoking cessation training in a rural mental health setting

INTRODUCTION

Smoking prevalence remains high amongst people with mental illness, however, they are less likely to be screened for tobacco dependence and offered treatment to quit. Smoking cessation and education training are insufficient in medical schools, despite a positive relationship between training and practice once qualified. However, the question as to whether there is adequate skill and expertise to address smoking in people with mental illness within Australian mental health settings is unclear. Furthermore, people living in rural and remote areas smoke at higher rates, quit at lower rates than those in urban areas, and experience limitations in their ability to access smoking cessation supports. The Smokers' Clinic is an initiative established in a rural Australian mental health service offering a smoking cessation service to patients and staff employed by the service.

AIM

This study aims to assess the change in the knowledge and confidence of resident medical officers in their understanding of nicotine dependence, smoking cessation strategies and prescribing nicotine replacement therapy in a community mental health setting. It was hypothesized that providing education and supervised clinical experience would improve knowledge, increasing confidence and motivation in managing smoking cessation in mental health patients. The research was undertaken using data collected through a questionnaire obtained from surveying resident medical officers administering the Smokers' Clinic following a 10-week rural community mental health rotation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty resident medical officers completed the 10-week rotation, with 14 completing the questionnaire. Knowledge of tobacco smoking, nicotine dependence and smoking cessation interventions improved with the experience of the Smokers' Clinic during the clinical rotation. Resident medical officers were motivated to spend additional time engaged in self-directed learning and all reported continued use of acquired experience and information in their clinical work after the rotation.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates the utility of a novel approach in delivering education, training, building clinical expertise, and facilitating sustained clinical capacity amongst junior medical staff for smoking cessation in a rural community mental health setting. It offers an efficient approach for mental health services to deliver smoking cessation services to reduce the morbidity and mortality burden associated with tobacco smoking.

Delays in the Pathway to Cancer Diagnosis in Samoa: A Qualitative Study of Patients' Experiences

Cancer is a leading cause of death in Samoa, with cancer patients presenting late and experiencing poor outcomes. Barriers to early diagnosis are complex, and cultural factors play an important part. This qualitative study explored the barriers to cancer diagnosis in Samoa through semistructured interviews conducted with 19 Samoan patients. Thematic data analysis was informed by socioecological theory and yielded 4 themes: knowledge and beliefs about cancer; pain as a trigger for health care-seeking behavior; follow-up issues; and communication and trust. Cancer knowledge and attitudes toward pain were strongly influenced by culture and community beliefs. Lack of follow-up resulted in significant delays, and ineffective patient-doctor communication triggered feelings of uncertainty and mistrust in the health care system. Efforts to address knowledge gaps will not be effective unless they are accompanied by broader strategies addressing local health care capacity issues. Adopting a socioecological framework lens within a regional collaborative approach provides a way forward.

Beliefs about cancer causation in Samoa: results from an awareness campaign recall survey

INTRODUCTION

Cancer is a leading cause of death in Samoa. Cultural beliefs shape attitudes towards disease and disease prevention in Pacific countries, and are a barrier to engaging in cancer screening services.

METHODS

A survey of 205 Samoan adults conducted as part of the evaluation of the first cancer awareness campaign implemented in Samoa explored beliefs about cancer causation.

RESULTS

Lifestyle factors associated with a departure from fa'aSamoa (traditional lifestyle) were most commonly cited as causing cancer. Cancer was also attributed to pathogens and person-to-person transmission, and, to a lesser extent, cultural beliefs including supernatural agency (spirits, God).

CONCLUSION

Addressing misconceptions while integrating certain aspects of fa'aSamoa into cancer control strategies could support greater engagement in health promotion practices and screening initiatives.

Extending a Conceptual Framework for Junior Doctors' Career Decision Making and Rural Careers: Explorers versus Planners and Finding the 'Right Fit'

This study uses data from a Rural Clinical School of Western Australia (RCSWA) and WA Country Health (WACHS) study on rural work intentions among junior doctors to explore their internal decision-making processes and gain a better understanding of how junior doctors make decisions along their career pathway. This was a qualitative study involving junior doctor participants in postgraduate years (PGY) 1 to 5 undergoing training in Western Australia (WA). Data was collected through semi-structured telephone interviews. Two main themes were identified: career decision-making as an on-going process; and early career doctors’ internal decision-making process, which fell broadly into two groups (‘explorers’ and ‘planners’). Both groups of junior doctors require ongoing personalised career advice, training pathways, and career development opportunities that best “fit” their internal decision-making processes for the purposes of enhancing rural workforce outcomes.

Understanding the Factors Influencing Junior Doctors' Career Decision-Making to Address Rural Workforce Issues: Testing a Conceptual Framework

Medical graduates’ early career is known to be disorienting, and career decision-making is influenced by a complex set of factors. There is a strong association between rural background and rural undergraduate training and rural practice, and personal and family factors have been shown to influence workplace location, but the interaction between interest, training availability, and other work-relevant factors has not yet been fully explored. A qualitative study conducted by the Rural Clinical School of Western Australia (RCSWA) and WA Country Health Service (WACHS) explored factors influencing the decision to pursue rural work among junior doctors. Data collection and analysis was iterative. In total, 21 junior doctors were recruited to participate in semi-structured telephone interviews. Two main themes relating to the systems of influence on career decision-making emerged: (1) The importance of place and people, and (2) the broader context. We found that career decision-making among junior doctors is influenced by a complex web of factors operating at different levels. As Australia faces the challenge of developing a sustainable rural health workforce, developing innovative, flexible strategies that are responsive to the individual aspirations of its workforce whilst still meeting its healthcare service delivery needs will provide a way forward.

Increasing Community Awareness of Cancer Signs and Symptoms in Samoa: The Vave Campaign

Background and context: Cancer is the second most common cause of death in Samoa. Early detection increases the likelihood of successful treatment; however, in Samoa, cancer patients often present late, when treatment options are limited and often reduced to receiving palliative care. Low levels of health literacy in relation to cancer causation, risk factors, and signs and symptoms contribute to poor outcomes for cancer patients in Samoa. Aim: The Vave (Quickly) campaign aimed to increase community awareness about the signs and symptoms of cancer, and promote early detection. Strategy/Tactics: This was a 12-month national social marketing campaign designed to ensure maximum population reach across Samoa. The campaign adopted a multipronged approach with three main components: mass and social media coverage; printed resources; and community education. All components included the campaign messages: early detection; quickly see a doctor; and quickly ring Samoa Cancer Society (SCS). Program/Policy process: The campaign focused on four of the most common cancers in Samoa: stomach, lung, breast, and prostate. Television advertisements and radio scripts were developed for each type of cancer, piloted and broadcast on the main television and radio stations. Printed materials were developed, including brochures, posters and banners. Community educators delivered a total of 29 face-to-face education sessions across Samoa; these sessions prioritized villages, schools and church groups in areas with poor television and radio coverage. Outcomes: The campaign was successful in increasing awareness of cancer signs and symptoms in the community. Approximately 2000 Samoans (over 1% of the population) received the face-to-face education sessions; analysis of pre- and postsession questionnaires showed that the sessions were effective in increasing health literacy around cancer signs and symptoms. In addition, the number of inquiries received by SCS increased significantly as a result of the advertisements, from an average of 18 inquiries per month in the months prior to the implementation of the campaign to 40 inquiries during the campaign. This increase was particularly marked during October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) when SCS received 112 inquiries. Limited data on patient visits suggests that the campaign resulted in increased numbers of hospital and general practice visits, and is likely to have contributed to the early detection of some cancers. What was learned: · The campaign resulted in an increase in inquiries and requests for check-ups; however, limited availability of medical and screening services must be considered when managing community expectations. · Establishing effective community and professional relationships contributed to the success of the campaign. Formative research and greater involvement of health professionals throughout the campaign would have prevented some implementation issues.

'Connecting tracks': exploring the roles of an Aboriginal women's cancer support network

Aboriginal Australians are at higher risk of developing certain types of cancer and, once diagnosed, they have poorer outcomes than their non-Aboriginal counterparts. Lower access to cancer screening programmes, deficiencies in treatment and cultural barriers contribute to poor outcomes. Additional logistical factors affecting those living in rural areas compound these barriers. Cancer support groups have positive effects on people affected by cancer; however, there is limited evidence on peer-support programmes for Aboriginal cancer patients in Australia. This paper explores the roles played by an Aboriginal women's cancer support network operating in a regional town in Western Australia. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 24 participants including Aboriginal and mainstream healthcare service providers, and network members and clients. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were subjected to inductive thematic analysis. Connecting and linking people and services was perceived as the main role of the network. This role had four distinct domains: (i) facilitating access to cancer services; (ii) fostering social interaction; (iii) providing a culturally safe space; and (iv) building relationships with other agencies. Other network roles included providing emotional and practical support, delivering health education and facilitating engagement in cancer screening initiatives. Despite the network's achievements, unresolved tensions around role definition negatively impacted on the working relationship between the network and mainstream service providers, and posed a threat to the network's sustainability. Different perspectives need to be acknowledged and addressed in order to build strong, effective partnerships between service providers and Aboriginal communities. Valuing and honouring the Aboriginal approaches and expertise, and adopting an intercultural approach are suggested as necessary to the way forward.

Addressing unresolved tensions to build effective partnerships: lessons from an Aboriginal cancer support network

Background

Cancer is the second leading cause of death among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their survival once diagnosed with cancer is lower compared to that of other Australians. This highlights the need to improve cancer-related health services for Indigenous Australians although how to achieve this remains unclear. Cancer support groups provide emotional and practical support, foster a sense of community and belonging and can improve health outcomes. However, despite evidence on their positive effects on people affected by cancer, there is scarce information on the function and effectiveness of Indigenous-specific cancer peer-support programs in Australia.

Using qualitative data from an evaluation study, this paper explores different understandings of how a cancer support group should operate and the impact of unresolved tensions following the establishment of an Indigenous women cancer peer-support network in a regional town in Western Australia.

Methods

Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 24 participants purposively selected among Indigenous and mainstream healthcare service providers, and group members and clients. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were subjected to inductive thematic analysis. NVivo was used to manage the data and assist in the data analysis. Rigour was enhanced through team member checking, coding validation and peer debriefing.

Results

Flexibility and a resistance to formal structuring were at the core of how the group operated. It was acknowledged that the network partly owned its success to its fluid approach; however, most mainstream healthcare service providers believed that a more structured approach was needed for the group to be sustainable. This was seen as acting in opposition to the flexible, organic approach considered necessary to adequately respond to Indigenous women’s needs. At the core of these tensions were opposing perspectives on the constructs of ‘structure’ and ‘flexibility’ between Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants.

Conclusions

Despite the group’s achievements, unresolved tensions between opposing perspectives on how a support group should operate negatively impacted on the working relationship between the group and mainstream service providers, and posed a threat to the Network’s sustainability. Our results support the need to acknowledge and address different perspectives and world views in order to build strong, effective partnerships between service providers and Indigenous communities.

The Cost of Organ Donation: Potential Living Kidney Donors' Perspectives

Living kidney transplantation is a treatment option for some people with end-stage kidney disease. The procedure has low complication rates and positive outcomes; despite this evidence, the number of living kidney donations has decreased in recent years, and the causes are not well understood. This qualitative study sought to explore the experiences of potential living kidney donors before the transplantation. A total of 19 semistructured interviews were conducted with potential living kidney donors in Perth, Western Australia. Results reported here relate to participants' experience of the employment and financial implications of living kidney donation. Participants incurred direct and indirect costs during the time leading up to the transplantation, and many had concerns about the potential financial impact during the recovery period. Employment status, occupation type, and financial commitments affected participants' experiences, and financial concerns were exacerbated for those who were donating to their partners. Results suggest that potential living kidney donors would benefit from tailored financial planning advice to help them prepare for the time of the surgery and the recovery period.

'A world of difference': a qualitative study of medical students' views on professionalism and the 'good doctor'

BACKGROUND

The importance of professional behaviour has been emphasized in medical school curricula. However, the lack of consensus on what constitutes professionalism poses a challenge to medical educators, who often resort to a negative model of assessment based on the identification of unacceptable behaviour. This paper presents results from a study exploring medical students' views on professionalism, and reports on students' constructs of the 'good' and the 'professional' doctor.

METHODS

Data for this qualitative study were collected through focus groups conducted with medical students from one Western Australian university over a period of four years. Students were recruited through unit coordinators and invited to participate in a focus group. De-identified socio-demographic data were obtained through a brief questionnaire. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed and subjected to inductive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 49 medical students took part in 13 focus groups. Differences between students' understandings of the 'good' and 'professional' doctor were observed. Being competent, a good communicator and a good teacher were the main characteristics of the 'good' doctor. Professionalism was strongly associated with the adoption of a professional persona; following a code of practice and professional guidelines, and treating others with respect were also associated with the 'professional' doctor.

CONCLUSIONS

Students felt more connected to the notion of the 'good' doctor, and perceived professionalism as an external and imposed construct. When both constructs were seen as acting in opposition, students tended to forgo professionalism in favour of becoming a 'good' doctor.Results suggest that the teaching of professionalism should incorporate more formal reflection on the complexities of medical practice, allowing students and educators to openly explore and articulate any perceived tensions between what is formally taught and what is being observed in clinical practice.

‘It still leaves me sixty dollars out of pocket’: experiences of diabetes medical care among low-income earners in Perth

Diabetes prevalence is increasing in Australia, and there are stark inequities in prevalence and clinical outcomes experienced by Indigenous people and low socioeconomic groups compared with non-Indigenous and socioeconomically advantaged groups. This paper explores the impact of Indigenous status and socioeconomic disadvantage on the experience of diabetes care in the primary health setting. Data were collected through focus groups and interviews. The sample, comprising 38 participants (Indigenous and non-Indigenous), was recruited from disadvantaged areas in Perth, Australia. Data analysis was mainly deductive and based on a conceptual framework for the relationship between socioeconomic position and diabetes health outcomes. Most participants reported accessing general practitioners regularly; however, evidence of access to dietitians and podiatrists was very limited. Perceived need, cost, lack of information on available services and previous negative experiences influenced health care-seeking behaviour. Complexity and lack of coordination characterised the model of care reported by most participants. In contrast, Indigenous participants accessing an Aboriginal community-controlled health organisation reported a more accessible and coordinated experience of care. Our analysis suggests that Indigenous and socioeconomically disadvantaged people tailor their health care-seeking behaviour to the limitations imposed by their income and disadvantaged circumstances. To reduce inequities in care experiences, diabetes services in primary care need to be accessible and responsive to the needs of such groups in the community.

Proactive primary care of carers of people with cognitive impairment: a feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Over 250 000 Australians live with dementia, and it is estimated that this number will more than double by 2030. Many people with dementia or cognitive impairment are cared for at home by family carers who may themselves be frail older adults or who may suffer from chronic conditions. There is evidence that caring has adverse impacts on carers; however, many do not seek or delay seeking appropriate health care.

AIM

To explore the feasibility of a protocol to identify the unmet healthcare needs of carers of people with cognitive impairment.

METHOD

This feasibility study used a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected through a set of three wellbeing questionnaires, and interviews with carers and one general practitioner. Carers were recruited through government-funded adult day care centres in Perth, Western Australia. General practitioners were nominated by the carers. The sample included 15 carers and one general practitioner.

RESULTS

Carer participants in this study experienced varying degrees of care burden. Insomnia, fatigue and pain were the most prominent symptoms. Their overall health status was lower than that of the general population, with physical functioning and bodily pain obtaining the lowest scores. Carers found the protocol useful and the questionnaires easy to complete; they reported specific outcomes resulting from the implementation of the protocol aimed at addressing their healthcare needs.

CONCLUSION

The study results demonstrate the feasibility of adopting a protocol to identify and address carers' unmet healthcare issues, and warrant further research. In the context of an ageing population, the growing number of carers of people with cognitive impairment and dementia need to receive adequate support to enable them to continue to provide care.