Mental Health Research Priorities - Focus Groups
The Department of Mental Health recognizes the significance of involving consumers and stakeholders in shaping its research agenda, particularly in determining key areas for study funded by the department To facilitate this engagement, DMH has partnered with Consumer Quality Initiatives and DMA Health Strategies to organize focus groups aimed at identifying priority topics for mental health research in the Commonwealth.
We invite you to engage in a discussion regarding the challenges encountered by individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues By identifying these critical problems, we aim to explore how they can be transformed into priority research topics for mental health research organizations.
Research is the planned process of collecting and analyzing information to increase our understanding of a topic under study
Research encompasses various fields, including clinical research, which focuses on diseases and medications, and social science research, which examines the living conditions of individuals, addressing issues like poverty and the specific needs of vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
How do researchers decide what to study?
► Identify a issue/problem/ that needs to be addressed/solved
► Find out what other people have learned about the problem
► Define a part or piece of the puzzle that they want to delve into
► Go forward with the research (write up a plan, get money to fund the research, etc.)
How does research affect our lives?
► Mental Health policies may be influenced by research
Research by CQI highlighted significant service gaps for transition-aged youth In response, the state has allocated substantial funds to address these issues and implement a new approach.
Treatment interventions should be supported by “evidence” from research studies
During this session, we will ask you a series of questions Please take note of your answers and engage in a discussion about them While you will be recognized as a participant, rest assured that your name will remain confidential and will not be linked to any specific comments or suggestions you provide.
We will provide a summary of the results from this focus group and other sessions conducted for DMH These findings will be compiled into a final report, which will present an overview of all the focus groups and offer recommendations for future initiatives.
“What are some of the critical issues faced by people with serious mental health conditions (e.g., DMH clients) in Massachusetts?” [Hand out cards to write on]
► Be as broad or narrow as you want to be
► Keep it short to give everyone a chance
2) Set priorities for the discussion:
To prioritize the most significant issues for study, participants can be given three stickers each They can then place their stickers on easels next to the three topics they deem most important, allowing for a clear identification of the issues that receive the highest votes.
► What else is important to study?
3) Research topic development: (Discuss only the top [3?] problems)
► “What would you like to learn about this problem? Why?”
► Thanks for contributing to this important discussion….
► The problems and questions that we have discussed today will be shared with at least DMH and the COEs, and used to inform their research agendas.
► Distribute information about the Centers of Excellence
Introduction for Provider Focus Group
The Department of Mental Health (DMH) emphasizes the significance of involving consumers and stakeholders in the mental health research process, particularly in determining research priorities for DMH-funded studies To facilitate this, DMH has engaged Consumer Quality Initiatives and DMA Health Strategies to conduct focus groups aimed at identifying key research priorities in mental health for the Commonwealth.
For years, the Department of Mental Health (DMH) has been a key supporter of research, currently funding two centers at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and the Massachusetts Mental Health Center Public Psychiatry Division, known as the Commonwealth Research Centers (CRCs) These funds directly enhance research activities related to DMH services and aid in developing federal and other grant proposals for further research topics The overarching goal is to advance mental health research in the Commonwealth and bolster services that strengthen the public mental health system.
The team organized two meetings with each of the Community Research Collaboratives (CRCs) to gather insights on ongoing and future research initiatives in Massachusetts In addition, we examined research from other universities in the state and reviewed studies approved by the DMH IRB Although not comprehensive, these summaries highlight the diverse range of research activities taking place across the Commonwealth.
DMA Health Strategies and Consumer Quality Initiatives conducted five focus groups with consumers, parents, and young adults to gather insights on research topics for CRC support Additionally, a focus group with provider representatives is scheduled for early June A comprehensive report summarizing the feedback, current research findings, and recommendations will be presented to DMH by the end of June.
► Is your agency currently involved with services research, clinical trials or research on other areas of your operations? Are you involved with the CRCs?
► What topics do you believe are the most important for the Commonwealth to support at the CRCs?
► What is the role of research in the public mental health system and how should it be funded?
► Do you have any suggestions for improvement? What are some examples that you can think of where research has advanced clinical practice?
Introduction for Consumer and Family Focus Groups
The Department of Mental Health recognizes the importance of involving consumers and stakeholders in shaping its research agenda, particularly in determining key areas for study funded by the department To facilitate this, DMH has engaged Consumer Quality Initiatives and DMA Health Strategies to conduct focus groups aimed at identifying priorities for mental health research in the Commonwealth.
We invite you to engage in a discussion regarding the challenges encountered by individuals with mental health and substance abuse issues By pinpointing the specific problems faced by this community, we aim to explore how these challenges can be transformed into priority research topics for mental health research organizations.
Research is the planned process of collecting and analyzing information to increase our understanding of a topic under study
Research encompasses various fields, including clinical research, which focuses on diseases and medications, and social science research, which examines societal issues such as poverty and the unique needs of specific populations like children and the elderly.
How do researchers decide what to study?
Identify an issue/problem/ that needs to be addressed/solved
► Find out what other people have learned about the problem
► Define a part or piece of the puzzle that they want to delve into
► Go forward with the research (write up a plan, get money to fund the research, etc.)
How does research affect our lives?
► Mental Health policies may be influenced by research
Recent research by CQI highlighted significant service gaps for transition-aged youth In response, the state has allocated substantial funding to address these issues and implement a new approach to better support this demographic.
Treatment interventions should be supported by “evidence” from research studies
We will pose several questions for you to answer and discuss While you may be recognized as a participant in this session, rest assured that your name will not be linked to any specific comments or suggestions you provide.
We will provide a summary of the focus group results conducted for DMH, compiling insights from all sessions into a comprehensive final report that includes recommendations for future actions.
“What are some of the critical issues faced by people with serious mental health conditions (e.g., DMH clients) in Massachusetts?” [Hand out cards to write on]
► Be as broad or narrow as you want to be
► Keep it short to give everyone a chance
2) Set priorities for the discussion:
To determine the most significant problems for study, participants can be given three stickers each to place on their top three issues at designated easels This method allows for a clear visualization of which topics receive the highest number of votes, facilitating a focused discussion on the most important concerns.
► What else is important to study?
3) Research topic development: (Discuss only the top [3?] problems)
► “What would you like to learn about this problem? Why?”
► Thanks for contributing to this important discussion….
► The problems and questions that we have discussed today will be shared with… and used to ….
► Distribute information about the Centers of Excellence
Schedule of Focus Group meetings
CQI organized five focus groups in Massachusetts, engaging consumers and their family members to gather insights on their mental health research priorities Additionally, DMA held a focus group with providers statewide to understand their key concerns and priorities in the realm of mental health.
Western Mass Recovery Learning Community, Holyoke, MA
2) Parents of Youth with Serious Emotional Disorders
Wayside Youth & Family Support Network, Framingham, MA 01702
3) MBHP Family Advisory Council Focus Group
Central Mass Recovery Learning Community, Worcester, MA 01603
Management from 6 provider agencies across the state attended
On September 17, 2008, CQI and DMA engaged with both centers of excellence to gain insights into their research efforts and objectives A follow-up meeting with the UMass Center of Excellence took place on January 8, 2009, to further discuss their initiatives.
Mental Health Research in Massachusetts, University and Medical Centers
The biological basis of psychosis and the optimal treatment for severe mental illness.
Seidman, Ph.D., Director http://www.bidmc.org/R esearch/Departments/Ps ychiatry/Commonwealth ResearchCenter.aspx
Center for Mental Health Services
Investigate the nature and structure of mental health services, focusing on their effectiveness and regulatory frameworks Emphasize the importance of developing and sharing knowledge to enhance the well-being of individuals with mental health conditions, as well as supporting their families and communities.
MD, PhD Acting Director http://www.umassmed.e du/cmhsr/index.aspx? linkidentifier=id&itemid w968
Psychology Children- aggression, depression PTSD
Doerfler http://www.assumption. edu/media- sources/forums/index.ph p?showtopicA
Human and Rehab services Structured exercise,
John Pelletier Tom McCarthey http://www.assumption. edu/media- sources/forums/index.ph p?showtopic
Boston College School of Social
Work Self-directed care (cash and counseling) Multi-ethnic, person centered
Kevin Mahoney Tara Earl www.cashandcounseling org
Recovery Peer Support Services Structured
Sally Rogers http://www.bu.edu/cpr/
PTSD- risk factors, computer assisted treatment
Sue Eisen http://sph.bu.edu/index. php? option=com_sphdir&id 239&Itemid40&INDE X47
Post-Partum Depression Gail Steketee
Paris www.bu.edu/ssw/resear ch/index.shtml Center for
Anxiety disorders CBT Smoking cessation
Otto, Barlow, Jill Ehrenreich http://www.bu.edu/card/ https://htmldbprod.bc.e du/pls/htmldb/f? p28:3:44055190147 77514::NO::P3_FACULTY _ID:582
Dept of Children/Family Martha http://www.bu.edu/psyc
University Heller School for Social Policy and
Financing and costs Managed care Dual treatment
Constance Horgan Don Shepard http://sihp.brandeis.edu/ research_listing_PRJ_RA B
Science/Practice Gap Youth Depression Parents with MI Transition age youth
Bill Beardslee http://www.jbcc.harvard. edu/research.htm
Health Guns and Suicide David
Hemenway http://www.hsph.harvar d.edu/research/hicrc/fire arms-research/
School of Social Medicine Social integration in recovery from psychiatric disability Eating Disorders Children and violence
Norma Ware Anne Becker Felton Earls http://ghsm.hms.harvar d.edu/research/mental_ health/
First person narratives Gail Hornstein http://www.mtholyoke.e du/acad/misc/profile/gh ornste.shtml
Urban Health Minority women emergency services Hortenisa
Sociology Alisa Lincoln HR/research_activities.h tml Simmons
College Social Work Longitudinal study - birth through adulthood Helen Reinharz http://www.simmons.ed u/ssw/sls/
Smith College School of Social
Work - Center for Innovative Practice
Effect of managed care on family-based practice Clinicians of color
Mary Olson Joyce Everett http://www.smith.edu/ss w/admin/academics_cip current.php#managed; www.smith.edu/ssw; http://www.rocktheboatt raining.com/conference/ mary-olson.html
Psychology Center for Cognitive Studies
Neuroscience and schizophrenia Gina Kuperberg http://ase.tufts.edu/cogs tud/index.asp
Himmelstein http://www.umassmed.e du/chpr/EvaluationRese arch.aspx? linkidentifier=id&itemid a146
Transition to adulthood - stress and mental health www.csr.umb.edu/projec ts.htm
Systems Change Susan Foley http://www.communityin clusion.org/
Inclusion Sociology criminal justice housing Stephanie
Hartwell Russell Shutt http://www.umb.edu/aca demics/cla/dept/sociolo gy/
Department of Psychiatry neuroscience and brain development population-based clinical trials psychiatry and medical care
Levkoff, http://www.brighamand womens.org/psychiatry/
Antidepressant use, children and suicidality
Sebastian Schneeweiss http://www.hsph.harvar d.edu/faculty/sebastian- schneeweiss/
Alegria http://www.multicultural mentalhealth.org/
Department of Psychiatry anxiety/depression mood disorders - depression and bipolar trauma recovery and resilience http://www.challiance.or g/psychiatry/psychiatry. shtml
Psychiatry Pediatric bipolar disorder depression in children
Weisz http://www.childrenshos pital.org/clinicalservices/Site1936/mainpageS1936P0.html?
CFIDW659054&CFTO KENfbc53361f1a487 -8ADC00C7-CF2B-5C33- 2D3438639B66EE69
Research pharmacological treatments early intervention and prevention of SMI (prodromal) (TAY)
Family and cognitive supports in the above areas neurocognition
Larry Seidman http://www.bidmc.org/R esearch/Departments/Ps ychiatry/Commonwealth ResearchCenter.aspx
Medicine CBT Safren www2.massgeneral.org/ bmed/research.htm
Bipolar Clinic and Research Program
CBT and neuropsych interventions for improvement in complex chronic care psychopharmacology http://www.manicdepres sive.org/
Center for Mental Health and Media
Transition to college diagnosing teen depression http://www.massgeneral org/psychiatry/research /resourcelab.aspx? id"Schizophrenia CBT www2.massgeneral.org/
Dept of Psychiatry Bipolar and Transition
Age youth Aude Henin http://www.massgeneral
Mailman Center neuropharmacology neurogenetics natural products research http://www.mclean.harv ard.edu/research/mrc/
RI Clinical Unit Based Research medications for SMI, etc genetics brain imaging www.mclean.harvard.ed u/research/bipolar
Psychiatry neurobiological basis of brain disorders depression in Asian primary care patients http://www.tuftsmedical center.org/OurServices/ Psychiatry/default
Dual Treatment Harvard U Center for
Child Mental Health Network: Connecting Science, Policy, and Practice in Child and Youth Mental Health
John Weisz http://www.developingc hild.harvard.edu/conten t/mental-health- network.html
UMass Child & Neuroimaging Jean Frazier http://www.umassmed.e
Psychiatry Division du/psychiatry/candi/ind ex.aspx
The Department of Mental Health’s Centers of Excellence in Research
The BI/Deaconess’ Commonwealth Research Center
The Commonwealth Research Center (CRC) was created in 1987 at the Massachusetts Mental Health
The Massachusetts Department of Mental Health (DMH) established the Center for Research on Schizophrenia and Related Psychotic Disorders (CRC) to advance clinical research in these areas In 1993, DMH enhanced its commitment by designating two Centers of Excellence, with the CRC focusing on neurobiology and psychopharmacology, receiving a six-year research support contract Additionally, the CRC serves as a foundational support hub for researchers affiliated with the Harvard Department of Psychiatry in Southeast Massachusetts.
The Psychiatry department of Harvard Medical School (HMS) was relocated to the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), where it established the MMHC Public Psychiatry Division In May 2007, the Community Resource Center (CRC) received a DMH grant once more, facilitated by the BIDMC Department of Psychiatry.
In November 2002, Dr Larry J Seidman became the Director of the CRC, aiming to enhance understanding of psychosis and reduce its associated morbidity The Center focuses on researching the mechanisms and manifestations of psychotic illnesses, as well as optimal treatments for severe mental illness It emphasizes early intervention and prevention, particularly during the prodromal phase, to effectively delay the onset of psychosis and improve quality of life Additionally, the CRC offers a health and wellness program led by Dr David Henderson of Massachusetts General.
The Massachusetts Mental Health Center hosts a multicultural research program aimed at understanding racial and ethnic disparities in mental health care This initiative ensures that research at the CRC incorporates diverse perspectives in both the design and execution of projects Additionally, the CRC shares current research findings with DMH providers and consumers, enhancing evidence-based clinical care through written abstracts, workshops, and clinical conferences.
The current leadership of the CRC collaborates effectively with various advisory committees, including a Consumer/Family Advisory Board in partnership with Consumer Quality Initiatives, Inc., the Harvard Medical School Psychiatry Executive Committee Board of Advisors, and a Scientific Advisory Board comprising senior faculty from multiple HMS-affiliated hospitals For additional details about the Commonwealth, please refer to the relevant resources.
Research Center, go to: http://www.bidmc.org/Research/Departments/Psychiatry/CommonwealthResearchCenter To review the 2009 Annual report, go to: http://www.bidmc.org/Research/Departments/Psychiatry/CommonwealthResearchCenter/Annua lReport.
The University of Massachusetts Center for Mental Health Services Research
The Center for Mental Health Services Research, established in 1993 as a Center of Excellence by the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health at the University of Massachusetts, focuses on enhancing services and improving the quality of life for individuals with behavioral health conditions, while promoting recovery.
At our Medical School, we specialize in program development and services research, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative research methods Our internationally recognized expertise encompasses wellness, forensic and legal issues, child and family mental health, transitional youth, human rights, co-occurring disorders, and epidemiology With a dedicated team of 19 faculty members and 24 research staff, we are committed to advancing translational research through close collaboration.