A six-session group-based pilot intervention for alcohol and other drug use in hospitalised mentally ill young offenders.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate a group-based intervention for alcohol and other drug (AOD) use offered to incarcerated youth hospitalised with mental illness. METHODS: A six-session group-based intervention for AOD use was offered to young offenders with mental illness, hospitalised in the Adolescent Unit of the Forensic Hospital, Sydney, between June 2015 and May 2017. Pre- and post-intervention measures were collected using the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Treatment Entry Questionnaire, Drug-Related Locus of Control (DRLOC) and Drug-Taking Confidence Questionnaire, short version. RESULTS: Pre- and post-intervention measures were compared utilising paired t-tests. Following the intervention, there was a significant reduction in the severity of psychiatric symptoms rated using the BPRS and a significant difference in DRLOC measures, reflecting increased internal locus of control. CONCLUSIONS: Improved internal drivers for reducing AOD use and improvement in symptoms of mental illness suggest similar interventions may be beneficial and may not impact recovery even during episodes of acute illness.

Addressing the specialist workforce CAMH skill-gap: providing and evaluating iCAMH training in Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

OBJECTIVE: Child and adolescent mental health problems are common and result in significant morbidity. Whereas in high-income countries there is an established workforce, in lower income countries, such as the Pacific nations, the workforce has little capacity despite a potentially higher population risk of mental disorder. We report on a workforce development effort, a child and adolescent mental health training package. METHOD: We describe the implementation and evaluation of the International Child and Adolescent Mental Health certificate training in two Pacific nations. RESULTS: Clinicians rated the training positively. Some participants reported concern with teaching materials. Attitudes to child and adolescent mental health were more favourable following the course. A change in knowledge or skill could not be determined. CONCLUSIONS: The training seems of value to Pacific clinicians and the framework provides for case-based learning across settings. The training would benefit from the addition of a valid assessment of participant skill and knowledge. The sociocultural and contextual factors are considerations for the content and delivery. Contextually appropriate resources and teaching strategies are important.

Building capacity for child and adolescent mental health and psychiatry in Papua New Guinea.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the recent work of child psychiatrists in Australia, New Zealand (ANZ) and Papua New Guinea (PNG) adding to mental health capacity building across the life-span, starting with children and adolescents. METHOD: Concerns about treatment access and clinical training needs, combined with academic leadership and National Department of Health commitment, supported the collaborative involvement of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry (RANZCP) in workforce development. This has been initially established under the auspices of the Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (FCAP). RESULTS: Workforce development in child and adolescent mental health is underway, with sustainability, consolidation and scaling up of initiatives required to meet need. CONCLUSIONS: Expanding mental health workforce capacity in partnership with the National Department of Health and the University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) seems feasible. Ongoing cooperation is required to realize the potential of such collaborative initiatives.