Mental Health Nursing

Improving timely access to follow-up support for young people with suicidal ideation in rural and remote communities

The Challenge

Lack of access to mental health services in rural and remote communities remains a serious barrier to reducing the high prevalance of suicide in rural, Aboriginal, farming and LGBTIQ communities. Too often patients attending emergency departments are stabilised and returned to the community without appropriate follow up support leading to readmission to hospital or an adverse health outcome.

Theory of Change

Increasing access to Mental Health Nursing services in rural towns will improve post-admission or event recovery by providing local support to help patients manage everyday life including help to manage triggers for a crisis.

Short-Intermediate Term

Number of patients referred to the Rural and Remote Mental Health Crisis Support Service
Self-reported satisfaction with Rural and Remote Mental Health Crisis Support Service
Self-reported improvement in health literacy