The sustainability of an Australian initiative designed to improve interdisciplinary collaboration in mental health care

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The Australian Mental Health Professionals Network (MHPN) is fostering a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to mental health care through the establishment of local interdisciplinary networks of mental health professionals. This paper reports on those factors seen by MHPN participants and staff as having affected the formation and continuation of interdisciplinary networks, and therefore the likely sustainability of these groups. METHOD: The paper draws on qualitative data from focus groups with mental health professionals participating in MHPN activities and MHPN staff. RESULTS: The findings suggest that MHPN's approach to establishing sustainable interdisciplinary networ..