Promoting the Well-being of Non-Government Organisation Rural Mental Health Staff: A Pilot Study

Background: Exceptionally high staff turnover in rural mental health organisations is profoundly negatively impacting the quality and accessibility of rural mental health services and the well-being of staff. Meanwhile, the demands placed upon skilled mental health staff in the rural sector are growing.

Aims: In collaboration with rural mental health non-government organisations, this research draws on the experience of people delivering mental health services to provide knowledge about previous workplace interventions that were effective for promoting rural mental health staff wellbeing.

Methods: This presentation will outline how the four phases of the co-operative inquiry methodology guide this co-designed, participatory research project. These inquiry phases are: establishing the research and the inquiry groups, collating resources, becoming immersed in the inquiry, and presenting the knowledge. The presentation will also explain how the research will apply mixed methods, specifically inquiry, survey, ethnography, and case study, to capture narratives about well-being. The research design incorporates professional development and the expansion of professional networks for participants.

Results: This research will be conducted from June-December 2024. Preliminary results will be available for sharing by November 2024 and will be presented. It is anticipated that the research will increase knowledge about workplace interventions that have been effective for promoting rural mental health staff wellbeing.

Discussion / conclusion: It is expected that by promoting the well-being of mental health professionals in rural areas, this ‘caring for the carers’ research will generate positive outcomes for rural mental health service users, who are relatively disadvantaged in accessing mental health care compared to their metropolitan counterparts.

Session overview:

The rural mental health sector is facing challenges in staff recruitment, retention and wellbeing. We will be presenting on our co-designed research with rural mental health non-government organisations. This research draws on the experience of people delivering mental health services to provide knowledge about previous workplace interventions that were effective for promoting rural mental health staff wellbeing.

Learning objectives: · Learn about the co-operative inquiry methodology – accessible to practitioners and a perfect research tool for those who value social inclusion.

Learn from the lived experience of NGO rural mental health staff regarding the challenges of recruitment, retention and wellbeing. What previous workplace interventions have staff experienced as beneficial? This session will be of benefit to all working in delivery or management of mental health services, and especially of interest to those located in a rural area and/or a non-government organisation.