Aboriginal MHDA Psychiatry Mentoring Program

Donna StanleyClinical Leader Aboriginal MHDA

Orange Western NSW LHD

Acknowledgment of Country

With respect I honour the traditional owners of the land upon which we meet today.

Acknowledging the Gumbaynggirr Peoples thousands of years of spiritual connection to

this country and for welcoming us here to enjoy and celebrate this beautiful place.

I honour and pay my respect to Elders past & present, all other Aboriginal nations and our

Non-Aboriginal Brothers & Sisters.

Introduction• ‘Closing the Gap’• Defining Mentoring• Historical background– Mentoring Concept– Policy Context

• Mentoring Model• Mentoring Review• Future work

Defining Mentoring

‘Mentoring is a mutually beneficial relationship that involves a more experienced person

helping a less experienced person to achieve his/her goals.’

• Concept developed in 2007• 18% of Inpatient Population Aboriginal• Aboriginal Population 7.3% (ABS Data)• Policy implementation by MH Teams, Strategy

5: A supported and skilled workforce (Mentoring)

Historical Background

Historical Background

The Project Aim • To develop long term sustainable models of mentoring

between the Aboriginal Mental Health Workforce and psychiatrists who are current employees of [former] GWAHS

Objectives • To facilitate two way learning between Aboriginal Mental

Health and Psychiatry • To provide sound clinical mentoring and support to Aboriginal

Mental Health Workers • To improve support structures for Aboriginal Mental Health

Workers

Historical BackgroundUnderlying Principles of the Project • AMHWs are essential to improving AMH [Aboriginal

Mental Health] • Psychiatrists are a critical part of the process to

improve AMH • Education and learning is required both ways • This work is additional to current services provided

by both psychiatrists and AMHWs • The project is a long term career development

process • Participation in the project is on a voluntary basis

Mentoring Model

Who provides the mentoring? • A consultant psychiatrist is contracted to

provide mentoring for a maximum of two days per month. He is currently providing mentoring one day per month. He is flown from Sydney to Orange specifically to conduct the sessions.

Mentoring Model

Who attends the mentoring sessions? • Aboriginal Mental Health Clinicians and

Trainees, Clinical Leader, Area Coordinator and State-wide Coordinator participate in mentoring sessions. (Voluntary)

Mentoring Model

Coordination The Clinical Leader coordinates • the psychiatrist’s visit• arranges the individual and group sessions• sends out a mentoring schedule for the

coming year• Individuals are allocated individual sessions

during each visit.

Mentoring Model

• Individual Mentoring • Group Mentoring• Post Session Follow up• Organisational Follow up

Mentoring Review

• Reviewers engaged in 2012 (Carol Watson and Nea Harrison)

• Methodology based on qualitative data– One Focus Group– 39 Interviews– Lead by Clinical and Management Steering Group

Mentoring Review• Mentees: Access to highly experienced, independent,

supportive senior mental health clinicians and a two way learning environment

• Senior MH Clinical Leaders: Time and access to independent mentors who understand the mental health context

• Mentors: Time specifically allocated for mentoring and opportunity to build relationships and learn more about Aboriginal culture, and

• Organisation/Management: A committed group of high calibre psychiatrists provide additional support to the Aboriginal Mental Health workforce and learning's are taken back to the team to inform practice.

Mentoring Review

• Building of mentees’ knowledge, skills and confidence

• Mentees supported, validated and empowered • Psychiatrists’ knowledge of Aboriginal culture,

community concerns, family dynamics and the role of the AMHW strengthened

• Aboriginal mental health workers retained, and • Status and perceived value of Aboriginal MHDA

workforce increased.

Mentoring ReviewIssues noted were: • The lack of initial clarity around a formal program design, and

some variances in the type of mentoring models conducted by different psychiatrists; this in the context that there is overall agreement to the benefits of the program.

• Concerns about funding support for the program moving forward

• Consideration of other clinical professional groups as mentors, and

• Clarity of governance for the program – monitoring, quality processes and reporting.

Future Work

Challenges arising from the Review are now to ensure:

• A core mentorship model is further developed • A monitoring and evaluation framework is

developed• Workforce requirements are reviewed • A commitment to continue

Aboriginal MHDA Mentoring Program

Comments/Questions