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Biomedical subjects

H Whiteford

Publications and source records attributed to H Whiteford.

15 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2004

Delineating disability, labour force participation and employment restrictions among persons with psychosis.

OBJECTIVE: To delineate at a population level: activity restrictions, labour market participation, educational attainment, employment restrictions and employment characteristics of persons with psychosis compared with healthy non-disabled persons. METHOD: Confidentialized data files were provided by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. The data were collected in a national survey titled "Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers, Australia 1998". Multi-stage sampling strategies obtained a probability sample of 42 664 individuals. Trained interviewers using ICD-10 computer-assisted interviews identified household residents with psychosis. RESULTS: Among householders with psychosis aged 15-64 years, 75.2% were non-participants in the labour market, 21.1% were employed and 3.7% were looking for work. Completing school years 10 and 11, and vocational training, appeared to offer an employment advantage. CONCLUSION: Persons with psychotic disorders have low rates of labour force participation and may benefit from greater participation in educational and vocational services. Implications for policy development are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Can research influence mental health policy?

OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the processes involved in policy development and implementation with examples of how this can be influenced by the outcomes of research. METHOD: The author draws on his experience in the development and implementation of Australia's National Mental Health Policy and on the literature describing public policy analysis. RESULTS: A five-step process of problem identification, policy development, political decision, policy implementation and evaluation is described. This process identifies how issues are considered, adopted and implemented by governments. CONCLUSION: An understanding of this process can inform mechanisms by which scientific research can impact on the issues considered and the decisions made in each step of policy analysis and development.

Health Policy↗
PubMed1996

Recruitment and retention of psychiatrists in non-metropolitan public positions in Queensland: research on "Queensland Health's response'.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Queensland Health's recruitment campaign of 15 fulltime psychiatrists to non-metropolitan areas between July 1992 and December 1993. METHOD: A detailed 170-item Likert-type questionnaire was designed and mailed to all 15 psychiatrists. Thirteen questionnaires were completed and followed-up by a face to face interview. RESULTS: Findings indicate that most of those recruited were experienced senior specialists who came to the positions as result of personal contact and were attracted to non-metropolitan positions because of 'lifestyle' and professional challenge' variables. 'Lifestyle' and 'professional' variables were identified as major contributors to their retention. They reported that 'bureaucracy' and 'social and family' reasons would be the most likely cause of them considering leaving their current positions. CONCLUSIONS: While the recruitment campaign was evaluated as successful, some aspects were clearly more influential than others. It was noted that factors which were likely to influence psychiatrists to leave non-metropolitan public sector positions were more 'public' than 'non-metropolitan' in nature.

Attitude of Health Personnel↗
PubMed1995

Queensland's geographical maldistribution of psychiatrists and Queensland Health's response.

There is a major geographical maldistribution and shortage of psychiatrists throughout Queensland. In June 1992, 48 psychiatrists worked outside of Brisbane where 66% of the population reside, while 172 psychiatrists worked in the metropolitan area. The reasons for and the effects of the maldistribution are discussed. Since 1991, Queensland Health has developed a number of key strategies to attract and retain psychiatrists in our non-metropolitan areas. These strategies are outlined. Between July 1992 and December 1993, 14 new full time psychiatrists were recruited. The results of these strategies are encouraging.

Financing, Government↗
PubMed1993

The National Mental Health Policy: implications for public psychiatric services in Australia.

The Health Ministers of all Australian States, Territories and the Commonwealth endorsed a National Mental Health Policy in April 1992. This Policy is intended to set a clear direction for the future development of mental health services within Australia. The Policy recognises the high prevalence of mental health problems and mental disorders in the Australian community and the impact of these on consumers, carers, families and society as a whole. It also clearly accepts the need to address the problems confronting the promotion of mental health and the provision of mental health services.

Australia↗
PubMed1993

Assault on staff in psychiatric hospitals: a safety issue.

All reported injuries between 1985 and 1987 in a large Queensland psychiatric hospital were studied. There were 650 incidents investigated; travelling injuries and injuries sustained by staff members not involved with patient care were excluded. Forty-eight per cent (n = 323) were assault based injury. Student nurses were most frequently assaulted. It was concluded that training in aggression management should include both counselling and self defence techniques, and that patient and staff rights should be balanced. Student nurses should have experience in wards with a low injury rate, prior to being rostered to the high risk wards.

Accidents, Occupational↗
PubMed1992

Future directions for mental health services in Australia.

The last decade has seen a marked increase in the attention given to mental health policy and services at both a state and national level. Mental health consumers, carers, service providers, and a number of professional bodies have contributed to the scrutiny of what had been a relatively neglected area. The release of Australia's first National Mental Health Policy is a milestone in the development of a national focus on mental health promotion, prevention and the provision of enhanced services for persons with mental disorder and mental health problems. This paper discusses briefly the directions promoted in the national policy, including mental health promotion, reorientation of mental health services, the nongovernment sector, consumer rights, intersectoral links, service quality, research and evaluation.

Australia↗
PubMed1984

Disturbed cardiac function possibly associated with mianserin therapy.

Two patients, who were receiving therapy with mianserin for depressive disorders, developed signs of disturbed cardiac function which resolved after mianserin therapy was discontinued. One of the patients also developed hypokalaemia which was probably caused by the drug. It is felt that these side effects warrant further research.

Aged↗