Options for supported decision-making to enhance the recovery of people with severe mental health problems.
This interdisciplinary project explores options for people with severe mental health problems to receive support in making decisions about their care and treatment in order to fulfil Australia's human rights obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Interviews with people with severe mental health problems, carers and mental health practitioners and an international review of relevant laws will lead to the design of an internet-based resource and training materials that explain supported decision-making and its role in enhancing the process of recovery. These outcomes will inform current reforms of Australian mental health laws.
Partners on this project include Mind Australia, Tandem, Neami National, the Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council, Mental Illness Fellowship Victoria and the Department of Health and Human Services, Victoria.
The Guidelines for Supported Decision-Making in Mental Health Services and resources from this project can be found on the Health Talk Australia website.
Researchers
Renata Kokanovic [Social Studies in Health and Medicine Research Program, Monash University]
Bernadette McSherry [Melbourne Social Equity Institute, UoM]
Helen Herrman [Orygen, UoM]
Lisa Brophy [Centre for Mental Health, UoM]
Audrey Statham [Social Studies in Health and Medicine Research Program, Monash University]