Building capacity through delivery model redesign; A university mental health and general practice service case report

Abstract

Despite most young people rating their health positively, significant morbidity is attributable to mental health conditions and risk taking behaviour during these formative years (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2014). There is a lack of research of Australian university associated general practices despite the youth-centricity of such practices (Staunton Smith, 2018). For universities looking to improve services there is little Australian-centric literature on what makes an ideal service. In 2010, a white paper ‘Considerations for Integration of Counseling and Health Services on College and University Campuses’ (ACHA, 2010) recognised the lack of knowledge of integrated medical and counselling services at colleges and universities and called for research to understand motivations and mechanics of such mergers (ACHA, 2010). Further to striving to provide best-evidenced models of care for students, Australian universities and their health services should be aware of monitoring by the Australian Government Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). Wellbeing and safety are incorporated within the Learning and Environment domain of the HES framework and include; avenues and contacts for support for students if needed; availability of specific types of personal support services; and, ensuring that support services offered reflect the needs of student cohorts (Australian Government Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, 2018). Minor framework adjustments followed the release of the Australian Human Rights Commission’s ‘National report on sexual assault and sexual harassment at Australian universities’ urged universities to audit their counselling services (Australian Human Rights Commission, 2017). With this background in mind, this Show Case report describes an initiative undertaken by Swinburne University Health Service to service redesign towards an expanded and alternative service delivery model.