Childhood Behavioural Disorders: Partnerships between the Health and Education Sectors
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Open Access
Type
ThesisThesis type
Doctor of PhilosophyAuthor/s
Rungan, SanturiAbstract
Background
Mental health and behavioural disorders affect 20% of children yet only 30% access appropriate care. An integrated school-based health care (SBHC) model was co-designed at a specialised behavioural school to improve access and engagement with health services.
Aims ...
See moreBackground Mental health and behavioural disorders affect 20% of children yet only 30% access appropriate care. An integrated school-based health care (SBHC) model was co-designed at a specialised behavioural school to improve access and engagement with health services. Aims and Methods The purpose of this thesis was to describe the need for and the co-design, evaluation and potential for scale-up of an SBHC program called Ngaramadhi Space. Using mixed methods, the quantitative phase described the population. The qualitative phases explored the model’s development and implementation facilitators and barriers. Findings Quantitative phase • Multiple unmet needs • Most students (76%) known to child protection services • High attendance at school clinic (86%) • Significant behavioural improvements (Strengths and Difficulty Questionnaire—teacher) Qualitative themes a) Integrated People-Centred Health Service framework Strategy 1: Engaging and empowering people and communities—community driven, improved access, positive outcomes, ‘connection’ and culturally safe Strategy 2: Strengthening governance and accountability—system integration and evidence base Strategy 3: Reorienting model of care—reduces inequity Strategy 4: Coordinating services—multidisciplinary and stable workforce Strategy 5: Enabling environment—leadership, stakeholder commitment and adequate resourcing b) Looman’s implementation strategies Applying collaborative governance Distribution of leadership Building positive team culture Incremental growth models Balancing flexible and formal structures ‘Integrators’ Conclusion Support for the SBHC model from community and stakeholders was significant. Using the insights gained from this thesis, a framework called Kalgal Burnbona has been proposed for SBHC implementation across Sydney Local Health District. Future research requires inclusion of education, social and implementation outcomes. Policy needs to reflect integrated care for children across sectors.
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See moreBackground Mental health and behavioural disorders affect 20% of children yet only 30% access appropriate care. An integrated school-based health care (SBHC) model was co-designed at a specialised behavioural school to improve access and engagement with health services. Aims and Methods The purpose of this thesis was to describe the need for and the co-design, evaluation and potential for scale-up of an SBHC program called Ngaramadhi Space. Using mixed methods, the quantitative phase described the population. The qualitative phases explored the model’s development and implementation facilitators and barriers. Findings Quantitative phase • Multiple unmet needs • Most students (76%) known to child protection services • High attendance at school clinic (86%) • Significant behavioural improvements (Strengths and Difficulty Questionnaire—teacher) Qualitative themes a) Integrated People-Centred Health Service framework Strategy 1: Engaging and empowering people and communities—community driven, improved access, positive outcomes, ‘connection’ and culturally safe Strategy 2: Strengthening governance and accountability—system integration and evidence base Strategy 3: Reorienting model of care—reduces inequity Strategy 4: Coordinating services—multidisciplinary and stable workforce Strategy 5: Enabling environment—leadership, stakeholder commitment and adequate resourcing b) Looman’s implementation strategies Applying collaborative governance Distribution of leadership Building positive team culture Incremental growth models Balancing flexible and formal structures ‘Integrators’ Conclusion Support for the SBHC model from community and stakeholders was significant. Using the insights gained from this thesis, a framework called Kalgal Burnbona has been proposed for SBHC implementation across Sydney Local Health District. Future research requires inclusion of education, social and implementation outcomes. Policy needs to reflect integrated care for children across sectors.
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Date
2025Rights statement
The author retains copyright of this thesis. It may only be used for the purposes of research and study. It must not be used for any other purposes and may not be transmitted or shared with others without prior permission.Faculty/School
Faculty of Medicine and Health, Central Clinical SchoolAwarding institution
The University of SydneyShare