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Mental health
Data

Community mental health care service indicators

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More information can be found in the Community mental health care services section.

Indicator 1: Post-discharge community mental health care

Description: The percentage of separations from public sector acute admitted patient mental health care service unit(s) for which a specialised community mental health service contact, in which the consumer or their carer/support person participated, was recorded in the 7 days following that separation.

In the last 10 years, the national rate of community care provided within 7 days following a public sector mental health hospitalisation, in which consumers participated in the community contact, has increased from 67% to 78% of separations.

In the last 10 years, the national rate of community care provided within 7 days following a public sector mental health hospitalisation, in which consumers participated in the community contact, has increased from 67% to 78% of separations.

Indicator 2: Admission preceded by community mental health care

Description: The percentage of admissions to public sector acute admitted patient mental health care service unit(s) for which a community mental health service contact, in which the consumer or their carer/support person participated, was recorded in the 7 days immediately preceding that admission.

The national rate of mental health admissions preceded by community care within 7 days, in which the consumer participated in the contact, increased from 41% to 48% of admissions from 2013–14 to 2023–24.

The national rate of mental health admissions preceded by community care within 7 days, in which the consumer participated in the contact, increased from 41% to 48% of admissions from 2013–14 to 2023–24.

Indicator 3: Average treatment days per three-month community mental health care period

Description: The average number of public sector specialised community mental health treatment days per three-month period of ambulatory care provided by public sector specialised community (also known as ambulatory) mental health service unit(s).

Overall, consumers receive on average about 6 days of care by public sector specialised community services per three-month community care period. There has been little change over time for General (adult) services. 

Overall, consumers receive on average about 6 days of care by public sector specialised community services per three-month community care period. There has been little change over time for General (adult) services. 

Indicator 4: Average cost per community mental health treatment day

Description: The average cost per community treatment day provided by public sector specialised community (also known as ambulatory) mental health care service unit(s).

Since 2005–06, the national average cost per community mental health treatment day has ranged from $410 to $505, adjusted for inflation. 

Since 2005–06, the national average cost per community mental health treatment day has ranged from $410 to $505, adjusted for inflation. 

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