Psychogeriatric care: building rural community capacity

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Rural Health
• Mental Health Services

Background:

• British Columbia (BC) is regionalizing health services, decentralizing mental health care and aiming for self-sufficiency.
• This involves downsizing the provincial psychiatric hospital (Riverview) and relocating patients to communities throughout BC.
• Northern BC faces challenges in providing specialized psychiatric tertiary-care for transferred patients and an aging population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the capacity of remote northern BC communities to manage the relocation of psychiatric tertiary care.
• To understand challenges in developing care models and integrating psychogeriatric patients.
• To identify factors affecting the provision of mental health services in remote settings.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative research design with field research in a rural community.
• Interviews and focus groups with key stakeholders involved in patient transfer.
• Analysis using a gender-based lens, considering culture and ethnicity.

Main Results:

• Persistent tensions exist between 'hinterland-metropolis' and 'front-line vs. administrative staff' regarding resources and governance.
• Need for transparent planning by health authorities and improved communication between staff levels.
• Community capacity is hampered by staff turnover and the inherent stresses of working in northern communities.

Conclusions:

• Increased local engagement is vital for addressing challenges in relocating psychogeriatric care to remote settings.
• Enhancing psychogeriatric care in similar locales requires recognizing local perspectives and expertise.
• While provincial/regional planning is necessary, local input is critical for successful implementation.