An important use of existing linked routine data is to better understand the epidemiology of mental health and mental distress in New Zealand. Much of our work in this area focuses on identifying pathways which are amenable to change in order to direct policy recommendations and clinical practice. We are also working with linked data to examine health and social outcomes for people in contact with specialist mental health services, including employment, education, and justice sector involvement, and are planning to extend this work to other populations including prisoners.
Current major research
- Employment, health service use, and suicidal behaviours in New Zealand - a collaboration with the University of Melbourne to examine the relationship between employment and unemployment and the risk of self-harm and suicide
- Disability and health in NZ: monitoring and explaining inequalities in mental health - a collaboration with the University of Melbourne
Previous major research and publications
- Stocktake Report for the Mental Health and Addiction Inquiry. Retrieved from https://mentalhealth.inquiry.govt.nz/whats-new/resources/university-of-otago-stocktake-report-for-the-mental-health-and-addiction-inquiry/