Quality, Access & Evaluation

Economics of Service Utilization

The purpose and focus of the project is to develop and apply a cost outcome model that integrates diverse aspects of governmental services (health, corrections, and welfare/human resources).

Vancouver Intensive Supervision Unit (VISU)

This project examines whether VISU is effective in increasing the community tenure of multi-problem clients in Vancouver's downtown east side, as measured by semi-structured interview (Camberwell Assessment of Needs - Forensic Version) and linked administrative data (frequency and duration of hospital bed and incarceration days) with 30 VISU clients; and investigates the therapeutic agents of change, from the perspectives of VISU administrators, staff, and 30 clients, as well as 4-6 representatives of another community agency that works with individuals with severe mental illness and corrections involvement (Strathcona Mental Health Team).

Housing And Support Services For People With Severe Mental Illness (SMI), Including Substance Use

Basic housing needs are particularly important for people with mental illness. A lack of safe, secure, affordable housing has been shown to have negative effects on both physical and mental health, resulting in increased need for and use of emergency, treatment, and support services.

Pharmacoepidemiology Research Hub

British Columbia is among the few areas throughout the world that have the capacity to systematically address important questions about the safety and optimal use of psychopharmacological agents. Detailed information about every prescription filled in the province for the majority of the population is centrally collected and maintained in a database known as PharmaNet. To facilitate access to this data by all verified health researchers in BC, CARMHA, in partnership with the BC Mental Health and Addictions Research Network, is developing the Pharmacoepidemiology Research Hub.

Support for Planning Services

This project supports ongoing collaboration related to the implementation of the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCHA) Mental Health & Addictions Strategic Plan.

Drug Treatment Court of Vancouver Evaluation

This project concerns the evaluation of the second drug court to be introduced in Canada, located in Vancouver BC. The "Drug Treatment Court of Vancouver" (DTCV) was created as a potentially beneficial response to the particular needs of substance-dependent, drug-related offenders in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside (DTES).

Mental Health and Addictions System Planning: Estimating Need Across the Continuum of Care

In order to apply resources optimally to the early intervention and treatment of mental disorders and substance use problems in British Columbia, it is important to develop a comprehensive estimate of need amongst the population.

Quality and Performance Measurement Analysis, Interpretation and Development

This project is the continuation of activities that have been underway for more than 5 years, under the direction of the MoH, with active engagement of health authority system managers and planners and other stakeholders, with research support provided by FHS researchers.

Substance Use, Mental Disorders and the Justice System: Improving Resource Efficiency and Outcomes

People with mental disorders and substance use disorders are significantly over-represented in the justice system. Moreover, a number of individuals access services spanning a variety of Ministries, as well as services and resources provided through provincial Health Authorities.

Advancing System Responses to Adults, Children & Youth with Concurrent Disorders including Complex Multiple Problems

In April 2002, the BC government merged policy and long-range planning for the mental health and addiction sectors within the Ministry of Health (MoH), and health authorities were given the responsibility for integrating addictions and mental health planning and service delivery within their regions. To date, the manner in which the health authorities approached integration has not been evaluated in a systematic manner.

AMHB Mental Health Initiatives Framework Development

 

Advancing System Responses to Seniors with Dementia and other Mental Health Problems or Co-Morbid Physical Illness and Frail Health

As the population of British Columbia continues to age, an increasingly large proportion is anticipated to require services and supports as a result of various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease and other mental health problems that affect the elderly.