In June 2021, Dr Catherine Spooner and Dr Peri O'Shea, from UNSW Sydney, presented their research on access to primary care for people with severe mental illness. They spoke about their inclusive research methodology as well as findings that can increase health equity for people with a psychosocial disability.
Catherine and Peri spoke about their research on access to primary care for people with severe mental illness. The webinar took us through their research methodology, and they explained that a consumer-inclusive and partnered approach is needed to provide the best care for people with severe mental illness accessing services. The research also supports the need for training and resources to help general practices to be more responsive to the needs of people with mental health issues, as well as navigation support for those accessing services such as peer support or resources detailing mental-health-friendly GP services.
This research was funded by the Institute in 2019 as part of our annual seed funding grants. The research team was led by Dr Catherine Spooner and included Dr Peri O'Shea, Prof. Karen Fisher, Prof. Mark Harris, A/Prof. Ben Harris-Roxas, Conjoint A/Prof. Patrick Bolton and Ms Jane Taggart. The seed funding grant enabled the researchers to generate supportive evidence for their successful application for funding from the Translational Research Grants Scheme Sydney Local Health District and from the Mindgardens Neuroscience Network.