iMHLP news
Update from the Philippine Psychiatric Association Executive
2nd iMHLP Conference Beijing 2003 - 10 October 2003
An Analysis of the Hospital Service Profile of a Government Psychiatric Facility in the Philippines
Dr Dinah Pacquing-Nadera - Philippines
The talk provided a description profile of the different hospital-based services of the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) from 2000 to 2002.
A comparison of the service profile of the different sections of the services and examination of the service trends across 2000 to 2002 period was outlined.
This enabled the analysis of the interrelationship of the service inputs and outputs.
Report From the Frontline: SARS in Hong Kong
Professor Dominic Lee - Hong Kong
Professor Lee reported on the experience of SARS at one of the worst affected hospitals in Hong Kong. He also described four quantitative studies conducted by him and his colleaques on the psychological impact of SARS. The studies included the psychiatric morbidity of SARS, SARS-related psychosis, the psychological effects of SARS for pregnant mothers and the community.
Implementing Change In Mental Health Services: moving from policy to practice
Mr Len Kanowski - Australia
A report of a qualitative study of the development and implementation of the SAFE Early Psychosis Program in NSW to understand the factors involved in successful implementation. The study will help provide information for future management and implementation including strategies for moving from policy to practice at the local level.
The Value of Mental Health: From Strategy to Action
Professor Lourdes Ignacio - Philippines
Professor Ignacio provided a clear outline of The Mental Health Report Western Pacific Region World Health Organization including 6 key approaches as part of the WPRO She also described the issues and challenges for MNH in the WPR. This included consequences and management of mental disorders, psychosocial aspects of health care and mental health and social development.
Issues, politicians and public policy
Mr Richard Bromhead - Australia
A study to investigate the characteristics of the issues that capture the attention of politicians and stimulate political action was presented. The study also aimed to investigate the dynamics between public policy and politicians. Such a study may help lead to mental health sector to present issues for more positive political responses.
Home Care Services in Malaysia
Dr Zulkifli Ghaus - Malaysia
A study on the impact of community-based mental health service in Malaysia was described. The research aimed to compare the average length of hospital stay and readmission rates, one year pre and post Home Care Service. Other socio-economic variables condition in terms of job placement, criminal offences, medication and drug involvement will also be looked at.
Mental Health Development in Cambodia
Dr Sophal Chhit - Cambodia
A description of mental health development was provided in terms of resources, services, training and national priorities. Dr Chhit also outline a research project to validate the Kessler-10 questionnaire in Cambodia to estimate the prevalence of primary mental illness in primary health centres settings and to develop mental health indicators in Cambodia.
Validity testing of a newly developed screening instrument "SQD" for PTSD and Depressive states by brief interview
Dr Senta Fujii - Japan
A newly developed Screening Questionnaire for Disaster Mental Health (SQD) was validated in a study following the Kobe earthquake. It had high sensitivity and specificity to evaluate PTSD (and depressive state) symptoms, and could be considered useful and efficient as a screening instrument. The result of the survey indicated the need to follow the long term influence of the earthquake, especially in high-risk groups.