ABSTRACT
Objectives@#The treatment rate for mental illness is low in Korea (22%) compared to Western countries (40–50%). Thus, Gwangju city commenced a mental health project termed “Mind Doctor” in 2016. Psychiatrists regularly visit mental health centers to provide services, including counseling. This paper summarizes the achievements and significance of the project. @*Methods@#The project has been in progress for four years. This study evaluated 7,483 clients assisted by 322 center staff and 55 participating psychiatrists. The characteristics of the mental health center and addiction management center clients were identified. The center staff opinions and satisfaction were analyzed. @*Results@#Psychiatrists placed in community mental health services played a variety of roles as counselors, supervisors, lecturers, and program organizers. During the time since the project commenced, referral rates to mental health clinics after in-center counseling increased from 9.4% to 41.6%. Half of the psychiatrists worked in psychiatric hospitals (45.5%), and were in their 30s (43.6%). Of those seen by psychiatrists in mental health centers, 42% were aged under 30 years, and almost half were male (46%). Most clients were satisfied with their consultations (90%) and were willing to recommend the project to others (88%). More than 85% of center staff responded positively to the project, particularly in 2019. @*Conclusion@#“Mind Doctor” readily identified the mental problems of community residents and provided smooth referrals to mental health clinics. Collaboration between the psychiatrists and mental health workers in mental health centers contributed to mental health promotion and early intervention to treat mental problems.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Serious mental illnesses and substance use disorder have a high level of early mortality. This study aimed to identify the causes of their deaths among patients who had been under the care of community mental health and welfare centers and addiction management centers.METHODS: We collected information on deceased individuals, whose mortality was attributable to various causes of death, from 10 Community Mental Health Centers and Addiction Centers in Gwangju Metropolitan City. The primary variables collected included psychiatric diagnosis, cause of death, smoking habits, admission history, and several socio-demographic factors.RESULTS: A total of 214 deaths among service users were studies. In Community Mental Health Centers, 109 deaths were identified, with causes that may be itemized as follows : 27 suicides(24.8%), 56 physical illnesses( 51.4%), 14 accidents(12.8%), and 12 unknown causes(11.0%). Among the physical illnesses reported, cardiovascular illness and cancer were the most common causes of death. A history of frequent admission was common among those that had died by suicide(88.9%), compared with that observed among general service users(62.0%). In Addiction Centers, 105 deaths were identified, with causes that may be itemized as follows : 7 suicides(6.7%), 71 physical illnesses(68.3%), 7 accidents(6.7%), and 20 unknown causes(19.0%). Among the physical illnesses reported, sudden death, hepatic disorder, cancer, and cardiovascular disorder were the most common causes of death.CONCLUSION: Case managers should give due consideration to and carefully manage the physical health of individuals accessing mental health services via community mental health centers and addiction centers.