Research

The CentreMHN has a steady research presence in Victoria, centred on a translation/evidence to practice and program evaluation studies. The CentreMHN makes a distinctive contribution to mental health research locally and internationally with methods suited to clinician and consumer codesign.

Publications

View the CentreMHN's academic research and published works.
Our Safewards program of research

We hope to find new ways for the mental health system to think about violence, aggression and danger which promote equity and safety for both consumers and nurses.
Evaluation of Clinical Supervision Implementation for Mental Health Nurses in Victoria, Australia

The Royal Commission into Victoria's Mental Health System has recognised the importance of a skilled and capable mental health workforce in providing safe and high-quality care to consumers. As the role and scope of mental health nurses continue to grow and expand, clinical supervision is increasingly considered key support to contemporary nursing practice (Howard & Eddy-Imishue, 2020).
FaCTORS – Factors Affecting CTOs Research Study

FACTORS is research project that is exploring the variation in rates of CTO’s across several Australian states and territories. We now form data gathered by health departments that there is great variation in the application of CTOs. Variation in use across services and across states.
Research & Training

Research students contribute substantially to the strategic focus of the CentreMHN by researching aspects of practice that are important to consumers and nurses. At the same time, through research training and higher degree supervision, the CentreMHN is building research and evaluation capacity with nurses and consumer academics.
Abolitionist perspectives in the context of mental health laws

The Mental Health Compulsory Treatment Criteria and Alignment of Decision Making Independent Review Panel approached the Centre’s Consumer Academic Program (CAP) to investigate and highlight the views and perspectives of people who advocate for the abolition of compulsory mental health treatment.
Perceptions of Dangerousness

We hope to find new ways for the mental health system to think about violence, aggression and danger which promote equity and safety for both consumers and nurses.
Evaluating Safewards Victoria

Safewards is a clinical model and intervention developed in the UK that seeks to reduce conflict and the use of seclusion and other restrictive interventions in acute inpatient psychiatric wards. Since 2014, researchers at the CPN have lead the evaluation of the Victorian government funded implementation of Safewards in the state of Victoria. The implementation of Safewards in Victoria is the most substantial and systematic in the world to date.
Experiences of Engagement

PhD candidate Ms Rachel Tindall is conducting a qualitative longitudinal study of the experience of engagement in early psychosis services, for young people, carers and case managers.
Views on seclusion and restraint, and ways to reduce their use

In this study, a large interdisciplinary team explored Australian views about a range of restrictive practices (seclusion, mechanical restraint, physical restraint, chemical restraint and emotional restraint), using a mixed methods approach funded by the National Mental Health Commission.