Investigating Clinician Perspectives Regarding Reasons for Increased Involuntary Psychiatric Treatment in Queensland

This project aims to explore the perspectives of clinicians who work with involuntary service users with a view to understanding the determinants associated with the rise of involuntary psychiatric treatment in Queensland. Using 2 Focus Group Discussions with 6-8 participants in each group - participants will need to be authorised mental health practitioners to be eligible to participate. Recruitment of professionals from allied health, nursing and psychiatry backgrounds from adult community based teams and inpatient units would take place via expression of interest followed by purposive selection. Audio recording of focus group discussions would be deidentified and transcribing by a transcription service for analysis. A general inductive approach would be utilised for analysis of data, specifically thematic analysis by Bruan & Clark (2006). This project would be undertaken as part of a dissertation for Master of Public Health being undertaken by Kimbali Wild. The research will also contribute to a larger mixed methods research project being undertaken by Professor Neeraj Gill to identify determinants and recommend strategies to implement evidence-informed alternatives to involuntary treatment in Queensland mental health services. Clinicians' perspectives will be triangulated with additional research involving various stakeholders including Mental Health Review Tribunal members, Legal Aid Queensland, carers, and service-users receiving involuntary treatment. The overarching goal of obtaining a more in-depth understanding of local issues will provide opportunities to promote improved outcomes and human rights for service-users in Queensland.