Partnering with international stakeholders to adapt an Australian framework for the uptake of clinician-driven integrated care
Presenter: Dr Catherine Foley
Author Names: 1,2Dr Catherine Foley, 1Dr Julia Lappin, 3Dr Julaine Allan; 2Cathy Young, 4Matt Higgins, 1Prof Michael Farrell, 5Dr Tessa Parkes, 6Prof Kim Mueser, 1Prof Anthony Shakeshaft
Author Affiliations: 1National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia; 2MNCLHD Drug and Alcohol Service, Coffs Harbour, Australia; 3University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia; 4North Coast Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit, Coffs Harbour, Australia, 5University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, 6Boston University, Boston, United States of America.
Introduction: A partnership from 2013 -2018 between NDARC, the Mid North Coast Local Health District and several health services and universities resulted in the development of a standardised but flexible process for the sustained uptake of clinician-driven integrated care in mental health and drug and alcohol services.
Aim: In 2019, partnerships were developed with international stakeholders to extend the evidence-base underpinning the newly developed framework, and to scope its acceptability in a range of settings.
Method: Virtual meetings, written work-up and a hosted visit were conducted in Australia through 2019 in partnership with specialists from Boston University and its affiliates. Seminars, site visits and meetings were held across Scotland from November 2019 to January 2020 with health services, government officials and universities, in partnership with the University of Stirling.
Implications: Despite systemic and therapeutic differences across these diverse international settings, the need to work collaboratively in psychiatric and substance use services is consistent, as is the challenge of making integrated care work in practice. Similarities and differences between Australia, North America and the United Kingdom will be discussed, along with the benefits and learnings that have resulted from developing both national and international partnerships. The value of drawing on professional international relationships to adapt and improve a framework that was established in regional Australia will also be considered.
