Gaining the edge

Parliamentary Library researcher Rebecca de Boer helps politicians find information about the latest developments in health, so it’s essential that she knows how to spot good research papers and media reports in the area.

She receives a lot of requests about mental health issues related to ageing. These types of requests are on the rise due to the ageing population and the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses.

“I don’t research mental health specifically, but it’s certainly an emerging area of interest among federal politicians,” De Boer says.

When she saw a graduate course being offered at ANU through the Centre for Mental Health Research (CMHR), she jumped at the chance to take it up. Research, Treatment, Policy: Current Issues in Mental Health provides a practical introduction to the nature, epidemiology and treatment of mental health disorders. It was designed primarily to inform people working in fields related to mental health about the latest findings in the area, and also to teach students how to critically assess information in research publications and the media.

“I decided to enrol in the course because it looked really interesting and useful for my work,” says de Boer, who is undertaking a Master of Studies at ANU.

The 13-week course covers a range of topics related to mental health such as stigma, e-health, substance abuse, adolescence and later life, and treatments for depression and anxiety. Each week involves a four-hour evening session tailored to suit full-time workers.

De Boer says the course is “very well designed”, with small class sizes and an opportunity to engage with lecturers who are experts in their fields.

“You have a lecture followed by questions and discussions. Not only do you get to learn about the latest mental health issues, but you gain critical analysis skills and work on your own research project.”

De Boer’s research project focussed on the development of mental health guidelines, particularly in relation to GPs prescribing anti-depressants.

So what difference has the course made to de Boer’s work?

The course strengthened her knowledge in analysing multiple aspects of research, including the methodological rigour, the reliability of the results and the wider implications of applying it to a policy context.

“Now I can evaluate a research paper and determine the validity of the research. It means I can provide better research support to members of Federal Parliament, particularly in relation to ageing and mental health policy.”

Course coordinator Dr Lisa Barney encouraged public servants and administrators who need to keep abreast of the latest findings in mental health research, as well as professionals working in sectors such as hospitals and nursing homes, to enrol in the course. She said it was created based on feedback from government departments that they wanted graduate courses to target skills and knowledge required by their staff.

“Lecturers from the CMHR and leading researchers from other organisations present a fascinating discussion of recent developments in mental health,” Dr Barney says.

“The course is very up-to-date and covers the current and engaging mental health issues of the day.

“We’ve had great feedback from students about the small-group lectures, with interactive tutorial and discussion periods.”
The CMHR aims to improve the mental health of Australians through research and development, training, policy and the dissemination of health information.