Background:
Rural communities suffer significant disadvantage in accessing mental health services. Conversely, these communities may have greater capacity to develop and maintain networks of nontraditional service providers to compensate for this lack of access; however, many agencies are unaware of each others' roles in maintaining the health of the community. A novel method of building and evaluating mental health service networks was trailed in rural New South Wales.
Methods:
Workshops providing education and support for agencies involved in providing services to rural communities were held in 12 locations. Participants' knowledge of mental health issues and the role of other support agencies, and their confidence in using this knowledge, were evaluated by pre- and postworkshop surveys. A new method of evaluating existing network strength and efficacy, using structured key informant interviews and network analysis methods, was trailed in several locations. Local service networks were re-evaluated following the workshops to determine the extent, direction and determinants of network change.
Results:
About 96 workshop participants completed pre- and postworkshop surveys. Significant improvements in knowledge, confidence and social distance were found. Local referral networks were successfully mapped and changes in local communities following the workshops were evaluated.
Conclusions:
Existing networks of service providers in rural communities have substantial capacity to act in nontraditional ways to improve the mental health of those communities. A relatively simple intervention, combined with ongoing support from local health agencies, can increase this capacity and the strength and efficiency of networks.
