2002
2002 Publications
Mental Health Issues for Asians in New Zealand: A Literature Review, November 2002 (PDF, 702kb)
Completing the first phase of a three-phase Asian project, this review, the Commission's first Asian-focused document, emerged in response to changes in the New Zealand population over the previous 15 years. It highlights the importance of improving the responsiveness of mental health services to the needs of Asian people. The review covers literature published since 1990 on Asian immigrants, refugees and foreign fee-paying students in New Zealand, addresses five key topics, and is substantiated by a 15-page bibliography. 88 pages.
Review of the Continuum of Mental Health Services Funded by the District Health Boards in the Auckland Region, December 2002 (Word, 588kb)
An independent review of Auckland, Counties Manukau and Waitemata District Health Boards (DHBs) recommends a way forward through changing the arrangements for planning and coordinating service delivery, an immediate relief from the pressure on acute beds and a longer term commitment to address the funding path and the contracts and service specification framework. Analysis of the review culminates in a six-part action plan (refined in consultation with the three DHB Chairs and their CEOs) to address problems found in the system, detailing tasks and timeframes. Interagency mental health structures and relationships for the area are revised. 76 pages.
'Eight months, three stone later and the medication didn't work anyway...' Medication Issues in Counties Manukau Mental Health Services: a joint project between Counties Manukau DHB and the Mental Health Commission, February 2002 (Word, 213kb)
This qualitative research report highlights different groups of stakeholders' beliefs, needs and expectations about medication treatment, and the issues they believe form barriers to good medication management and concordance, also exploring how medication practices supported or impeded the development of recovery oriented service delivery. Nineteen stakeholder-specific groups participated. Strategies for change are listed in relation to the areas of concern, and in relation to the National Mental Health Standards. 25 pages.
Counties Manukau DHB Medications Poster related to above publication, May 2002 (Powerpoint, 84kb)
Review of the Implementation of the Privacy Act 1993 and the Health Information Privacy Code 1994 by District Health Boards' Mental Health Services, 12th February 2002 (PDF, 1.2MB)
This independent review, called for by the Minister of Health, focuses on identifying whether DHB mental health services had developed their own policies and procedures for sharing user information in accordance with the Act and the Code, and how well the policies were communicated, understood and implemented. Other standards and legislation are outlined. The findings demonstrate variability of communication across DHBs, with insufficient understanding by staff of their obligations. This substantial report culminates in recommendations to the Minister and includes full appendices detailing the survey process and comments received. 106 pages.
Report on Progress 2000/2001 - towards implementing the Blueprint for Mental Health Services, May 2002 (PDF, 772kb)
Reporting on progress in developing more and better mental health services to meet the targets of the national mental health strategy and the Blueprint, this document provides a summary of national and regional progress under the seven strategic directions identified in the strategy. Figures and tables clarify the statistics. 76 pages.
Service user participation in mental health services - a discussion document, May 2002 (PDF, 112kb)
Covering service user participation in the mental health sector, this paper provides a framework for thinking about service user participation and discussing it. It provides service users with information on the scope of participation and their right to participate, as well as being useful to policy organisations, funders and providers. 51 pages.
"Kia Mauri Tau!" Narratives of Recovery from Disabling Mental Health Problems, 2002 (PDF, 429kb)
The report of the University of Waikato Mental Health Narratives Project, Kia Mauri Tau! describes the project and its philosophy (RECOVER + HEART) as pertains to mental ill health. The stories of 11 Maori women, 10 Maori men, 10 non-Maori women and 9 non-Maori men are presented in this narrative study that follows their journeys through mental illness, recovery and into life after mental ill health. All 40 participants had once suffered from a disabling mental health problem and considered they had recovered; none had made use of mental health services during the last two years and they were no longer using psychiatric medication. Cultural, personal and stigma issues are discussed in relation to the recovery process. 112 pages.
Mental Health Commission Briefing to the Incoming Minister of Health, August 2002 (PDF, 176kb)
One section covers the National Health Strategy and the Blueprint for Mental Health Services in New Zealand; others cover progress in the sector, concerns and risks, governance and management of the Mental Health Commission. Four main recommendations are detailed. A comprehensive publication list is included. 60 pages.
Annual Report for the period ended 30 June 2002 (PDF, 254kb)
The Commission's fifth annual report outlines goals, reports on the work programme, and tabulates the statement of service performance. Eleven pages are given to financial statements. 65 pages.
Factsheet one - Mental Illness and Violent Crime, November 2002 (Word, 333kb)
The fact is, most people with mental illness are no more likely than anyone else to commit a violent crime. Research details are summarised here, along with quoted expert views and conclusions. 2 pages.
(Also available as pdf, 50kb)
Factsheet two - Homicide and Mental Illness, November 2002 (Word, 343kb)
Sensational media reporting about mental illness and violence is felt to be the greatest obstacle to reducing stigma and discrimination. This fact sheet aims to combat this habit of linking murders to mental illness by summarising the international research and reiterating known New Zealand facts about homicide in general. 4 pages.
(Also available as pdf, 57kb)