Digital mental health project wins industry grant for new trial
Professor Ian Hickie and the Youth Mental Health and Technology Team at the University of Sydney鈥檚 Brain and Mind Centre will lead a youth-focused technology-driven health services research project, .
Launched today at the Brain and Mind Centre, supported by the Bupa Health Foundation, the project aims to provide better coordination of care to improve the lives of young people.
The study will investigate how Australian Government supported technology听鈥� being delivered through InnoWell, a joint venture between the University of Sydney鈥檚 Brain and Mind Centre and Pricewaterhouse Coopers Australia听鈥� can support the coordination of highly-personalised care across primary, secondary, and hospital-level clinics as well as between public and private services.
Despite a significant investment in services, many people find it difficult to access the care they need.
Professor Hickie said that in an area that is historically poorly-funded and under-researched, researchers will use an evidence-based and data-driven approach to provide genuine integration of personal care.
鈥淭he project uses new digital technologies combined with a continuous and streamlined circle of care,鈥� Professor Hickie said.
鈥淭his program of practical health-services research, at the regional scale, is just what the Australian health system needs.鈥�
Federal Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, welcomed the new project.
鈥淢ental health is our great national challenge. Despite a significant investment in services, many people find it difficult to access the care they need,鈥� Minister Hunt said.
鈥淏est Care, First Time will investigate how technology can make it easier for young people with emerging mood or psychotic disorders to navigate the mental health system.鈥�
Associate Professor Annette Schmiede, Bupa Health Foundation鈥檚 executive leader, said: 鈥� 鈥� investment in research and development at a systems level is needed to ensure best outcomes for patients and the health system are achieved鈥�.
Declaration:听The project was awarded funding in the recent Bupa Health Foundation competitive round focused on improving mental health models of care in Australia.
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