Presentation Information
[O-4-01]Re-visiting the Transcultural Clinical Consultation Service - Two decades on…
*Jon Paul Teo1,2, Marianne Wyder2,3, Stephen McGrory1, Can Tuncer4,5 (1.Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre(Australia), 2.The University of Queensland(Australia), 3.Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Services(Australia), 4.Victorian Transcultural Mental Health(Australia), 5.The University of Melbourne(Australia))
Keywords:
Cultural Formulation,Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry,Mental Health Services
Background:
People from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) background have diverse needs and understandings of mental illness. The cultural consultation model is a valuable way of supporting mental health service provision for this population. This model was initially outlined by the Cultural Consultation Service two decades ago in Montreal, Canada. In Queensland, the Transcultural Clinical Consultation Service (TCCS) utilises the services of Cultural Consultants and operates on a consultation-liaison basis.
Objectives:
To report on the nature of cultural consultations seen through the TCCS.
Methods:
Detailed records were kept on all cultural consultations between February 2021 to February 2023. Data collected included demographic data, referral sources, referral questions, use of Cultural Consultants and/or language interpreters, cultural formulation and referral outcomes. A qualitative thematic analysis on the cultural consultations was performed.
Findings:
Over this time period, sixty-one cultural consultations were performed by the Psychiatrist. Most were primary consultations. The process of cultural consultation was typically time- and labour-intensive, as there was a need to address multiple aspects of a patient’s presentation. The consultations could broadly be classified into: Those seeking practical support/appropriate referral options (which sometimes could not be addressed), and Addressing the impact of cultural diversity on mental health problems. This presentation will focus on the met and unmet needs of this group.
Conclusions:
Culture is a critical component in the manifestation of mental ill health and while Cultural Consultants can be important in helping to understand such issues, this study highlights that there are many unmet needs in this area.
People from a Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) background have diverse needs and understandings of mental illness. The cultural consultation model is a valuable way of supporting mental health service provision for this population. This model was initially outlined by the Cultural Consultation Service two decades ago in Montreal, Canada. In Queensland, the Transcultural Clinical Consultation Service (TCCS) utilises the services of Cultural Consultants and operates on a consultation-liaison basis.
Objectives:
To report on the nature of cultural consultations seen through the TCCS.
Methods:
Detailed records were kept on all cultural consultations between February 2021 to February 2023. Data collected included demographic data, referral sources, referral questions, use of Cultural Consultants and/or language interpreters, cultural formulation and referral outcomes. A qualitative thematic analysis on the cultural consultations was performed.
Findings:
Over this time period, sixty-one cultural consultations were performed by the Psychiatrist. Most were primary consultations. The process of cultural consultation was typically time- and labour-intensive, as there was a need to address multiple aspects of a patient’s presentation. The consultations could broadly be classified into: Those seeking practical support/appropriate referral options (which sometimes could not be addressed), and Addressing the impact of cultural diversity on mental health problems. This presentation will focus on the met and unmet needs of this group.
Conclusions:
Culture is a critical component in the manifestation of mental ill health and while Cultural Consultants can be important in helping to understand such issues, this study highlights that there are many unmet needs in this area.