MH-CoPES
Mental Health Consumer Perception and Experience of Services
The aim of MH-CoPES is to develop a process for consumers to evaluate public adult mental health services across NSW and to assist consumers and services to work together to improve services based on consumers' feedback. The vision of MH-CoPES is:
- For consumers' voices to be recognised in practice, and to be recognised as essential to guiding services
- For services to be more responsive and accountable to consumers
- To improve existing quality processes in NSW mental health services by developing a mechanism for consumers' views contribute to continuous service improvement
- To create a dialogue and partnership within NSW mental health services around issues important to consumers.
MH-CoPES Stage 1
MH-CoPES Stage 1 ran for 18 months between January 2004 and July 2005. It comprised a series of robust consultations and literature review that supported the development of the draft:
- MH-CoPES Framework
- MH-CoPES Questionnaires community and inpatient
For more information on stage one please refer to:
- Final Stage 1 Report
- MH-CoPES Interim Project Report March 2005
- Project Launch Media Release 30th July 2004
MH-CoPES Stage 2
MH-CoPES Stage 2 is a three year project that will continue until March 2009. The project will build on the work undertaken in Stage 1, completing the development of the MH-CoPES Framework and Questionnaires. At the conclusion of the project, it is envisaged that the MH-CoPES Framework for Consumer Evaluation of Mental Health Services will be ready for implementation in public, adult mental health services across NSW.
To achieve this NSW CAG has:
- Conducted a pilot of the Framework and Questionnaire in two Area Mental Health Services: Northern Sydney/Central Coast and Greater Western;
- Trialed different options for the distribution and collection of the Questionnaire;
- Explored alternative options to the Questionnaire for consumers to provide feedback;
- Provided feedback to the pilot sites based on the Questionnaires;
- Worked with consumers and services to develop and implement action plans based on the recommendations stemming from the Questionnaires;
- Identified and developing the protocols for each of the four steps of the Framework;
- Clarified the role and place of MH-CoPES in service improvement;
- Gathered information from pilot sites relevant to the cultural and change management issues within the mental health system for implementing MH-CoPES across NSW.
At the same time as this has been happening InforMH, NSW Health have been introducing the MH-CoPES questionnaires throughout adult mental health
services in NSW.
Final recommendations for implementing the MH-CoPES framework and associated questionnaires are due for completion at the end of March 2009
More information about Stage 2:
The Updated MH-CoPES Questionnaires Community and Inpatient
MH-CoPES Questionnaires community and inpatient
Mental Health Consumer Perceptions and Experiences of Services (MH-CoPES): a framework for cultural change
MH-CoPES Update June 2008
MH-CoPES Update January 2008
MH-CoPES Update October 2007
MH-CoPES Special Update July 2007
MH-CoPES Update July 2007
MH-CoPES Update April 2007
MH-CoPES Update January 2007
MH-CoPES Brochure 2007
Brief Report on Discussion Paper
Response to Discussion Paper
Stage 2 Discussion Paper October 2006
MH-CoPES Stage 3
Stage 3 aims to produce a comprehensive 5s year Statewide Implementation strategy and cost analysis for the MH-CoPES
Framework. This will ensure the Framework and tools are utilised to their full potential and provide maximum benefit for
consumers and the services.
Over the next year the MH-CoPES project team will work closely with Area Mental Health Service Directors, Staff, consumer
workers, Quality Improvement and Participation Coordinators and Local Champions. Through these partnerships, local
implementation strategies and policies will be produced and customised to individual patient and community service
structures within the different Areas.
Key Resources to be developed will include:
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Support materials to help Consumer Workers distribute and assist consumers to complete the Quetionnaires;
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Promotional materials for AHMS staff, Service staff, Consumers, and Carers;
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Guidelines for mental health services to implement MH-CoPES
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Tailored local strategies to address cultural and change management issues; and
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A policy position around consumer participation in the evaluation of mental health services for statewide adoption.
The policy position will further support and cement the consumer's involvement in evaluation, action and change of mental health
services.
More information about Stage 3:
MH-CoPES Update November 2009
MH-CoPES Update February 2010