Primary care concepts: The prevention model
In this topic we will be considering concepts of primary prevention and mental health promotion. A primary health care approach takes into account factors such as, social, family, cultural and environmental issues when looking at what influences an individual’s mental health. To assist with this topic we will be referring to the Australian National Mental Health Strategy and Mental Health plans.
Promotion & prevention
Learning Journal? What do you consider to be the benefits of health promotion in the area of mental health?
Health promotion and prevention models have been around for some time for diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, however this is only a relatively new concept in the mental health arena.
Mental health promotion focuses on avoiding illness by optimising mental health and well being in individuals and communities, whereas the prevention model refers to preventative interventions. Preventative interventions are targeted at individuals or groups who are at increased risk of developing a disorder.
A great deal of work has gone into early intervention. In this case interventions are targeted at people who are displaying the prodromal signs and symptoms of an illness. This also refers to early identification of a person suffering from a disorder.
There is a specific mental health intervention spectrum for mental disorders that you will need to become familiar with. This can be found in your recommended textbook.
Reading
Meadows G. and Singh B. (2001) Mental health in Australia. Collaborative Community Practice. Oxford University press Sydney Chapter 3 pp. 29 – 33.
These pages explain the ‘prevention model’ very well. It is particularly important for you to have a good understanding of the mental health intervention spectrum as it is outlined in Figure 3.2 on page 31.
Find out more by exploring these web sites
Ausinet.
This web site takes you directly to Ausinet (The Australian network for Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental Health). This network is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and aging and is an invaluable source for all promotion, prevention and early intervention activities across Australia. International issues are also highlighted. You will be able to refer to this site throughout the entire course.
This web site has a number of links that will be useful for you. I suggest you explore this resource, paying particular attention to the national mental health strategy.
This site gives you the theoretical and conceptual foundation for the National Action Plan for Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental Health 2000 and discusses in more detail a number of issues relevant to its implementation.
Activity
What health promotional activities are you aware of in the mental health field? Do you think these activities have been successful in raising the public’s knowledge on the risk factors associated with mental illness?