A descriptive analysis of Aboriginal adolescents admitted to a regional inpatient mental health unit: Was culture considered?

OBJECTIVES

To describe the characteristics of Aboriginal adolescents admitted to a Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) inpatient unit and assess if cultural identity was acknowledged, and what proportion received cultural support.

METHOD: A retrospective chart review of adolescents who identified as Aboriginal and were admitted to a regional CAMH Unit over 10 years. Medical records were reviewed for demographics, diagnosis, details of admission, acknowledgement of Aboriginal identity, cultural information and cultural support provided.

RESULTS

A total of 172 patients who identified as Aboriginal were admitted during this period, comprising a total of 266 admissions. Most frequent admission reason was suicidal ideation or self-harm (66%), then psychosis (14%) and 49% were admitted involuntarily. Most frequent discharge diagnosis was a stress-related disorder (23%) followed by post-traumatic stress disorder (18%). A referral for Aboriginal clinician cultural support was made for 30%. Thirty patients (23%) had any detail regarding cultural identity documented.

CONCLUSIONS

Amongst young Aboriginal people admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit, the minority had cultural identity acknowledged or were provided cultural support. There is a need for increased access to Aboriginal Mental Health Clinicians and improved training for the broader workforce in the provision of culturally considered care.