Purpose of research project *
MUCHE researchers, in collaboration with Professor Rapport (CHRIS, AIHI), led highly impactful research over 2022-24 funded by a grant from the National Mental Health Commission, to explore how to embed more value into mental health funding and investment in AustraliaWho has, is or will benefit *
This policy-relevant research is expected to benefit Australian mental health care consumers, their families and broader society, by setting the platform for future mental health care funding and investment models that promote integrated, evidence-based care aligned with improved outcomes and reduced financial wasteDescription of impact *
While the use of mental healthcare services and public funding committed to mental health have increased substantially over time, the prevalence of mental ill-health in Australia has also continued to rise. This is partly due to the barriers mental healthcare funding places on delivering integrated care, and government investment decisions that are not based on evidence. MUCHE researchers, in collaboration with Professor Rapport (CHRIS, AIHI), led highly impactful research (over 2022-2024) funded by a grant from the National Mental Health Commission, to explore how to embed more value into mental health funding and investment. Informed by an expert reference group comprised of government, provider, clinical and academic representatives, a consultation paper was developed covering key issues and questions, released publicly and circulated widely including through three public seminars conducted by Professor Cutler. An extensive national consultation phase was completed in 2023, gathering qualitative data from interviews with 21 executives from state and federal government departments, agencies, and mental health commissions, and three national online workshops with over 70 participants from government and private providers, peak bodies, academics, consumers and carers. The subsequent analyses resulted in two papers, and a final report including recommendations to government on how to reform mental healthcare funding and investment to promote better value through improved outcomes and reduced financial waste. Our research aligns heavily with the UN SDG of promoting ‘good health and wellbeing’, and extends on the 24 recommendations made by the Productivity Commission in their 2020 landmark review into mental health.| Impact date | 2022 → 2025 |
|---|---|
| Category of impact | Health impacts, Economy impacts, Society impacts |
| Impact level | Emerging (pre) |