Grant: Partnerships for Health System Improvement (PHSI)

A team of researchers and knowledge users is interested in developing strategies for improving the system of services for persons experiencing challenges or problems related to mental health, substance use/addiction and/or violence (MSV). The research has three main objectives: (I) to collect data on services for MSV problems in four diverse sites (i.e., Welland and Port Colborne, Windsor, Kettle Point and Aamjiwnaang First Nations, Sudbury); (II) to develop a model for each community showing how people with MSV problems use services and to identify and address major problems in system functioning in these communities; and (III) to develop an overarching model of how the service system operates for people with MSV problems and identify ways this system can be improved to provide optimal and cost-effective care. The project will be conducted in three phases. In Phase I, data will be collected about services for MSV problems in each community from five perspectives: (a) persons who have MSV problems; (b) family members of persons who have MSV problems; (c) a general population community sample; (d) two databases of use of health and addictions treatment services; and (e) formal and informal service providers. In Phase II, findings from Phase I will be used by knowledge users and researchers to develop a comprehensive model of service use by persons with MSV and to develop a plan for addressing major problems within each community. In the third and final phase, a workshop will be held with local, regional and provincial knowledge users and researchers to identify various strengths and weaknesses of each local system and develop a preliminary general model of service use by persons who have MSV problems. Researchers will work closely with community partners to define research questions, interpret findings and apply knowledge. This research will be used to develop cost-effective approaches that optimize care for people with MSV problems.