Introduction

Co Production journey for new resource with Expressions Australia- Mental health specific Auslan cards – improving access to mental health services for deaf and hard of hearing (HoH) consumers.

Method

This development also paves pathway for developments in digital health to explore new ways of utilising technology to improve access. Cards are available as both hard copies and via QR code. EHMH&WP provided consultation to Expressions Australia in the development of this resource and have continued to share the resource across other health networks in Victoria in conjunction with Safer Care Victoria.

Results & findings

Often by the time consumers who are deaf or hard of hearing (HoH) arrive for mental health assessment they report feeling distressed and helpless about communicating their basic needs. Having specialised communication resources build’s trust in the service and connection with the community. This new resource is not to replace an interpreter but rather complement use of interpreter services and allow staff to engage when access to an interpreter is delayed. The HOH cards are mental health specific, aiding critical communication between consumers and mental health clinicians to facilitate risk assessment, treatment planning and care provision in areas such as emergency departments, mental health inpatient units and community teams.

Discussion

Victoria’s Eastern Health Mental Health and Wellbeing Program (EHMH&WP) partnered with Expression Australia (formerly Vic deaf) for development of the new mental health specific Auslan cards aimed at improving access to mental health services for deaf and hard of hearing (HoH) consumers.

Eastern Health is the only public mental health service to contribute to the initiative nationally and demonstrates the commitment that Eastern health network has towards promoting diversity and inclusion. The cards are being provided across all patient facing teams.