Prevention and Recovery Care Services (PARCS) evaluation

Who is involved

Neami National The University of Melbourne, Mental Health Community Support Services (MHCSS), The Victorian Government.

Principle Investigator

Professor Jane Pirkis

Project status

Current

Victoria’s PARC services are residential services that aim to minimize time in hospital for people with severe mental disorder. This project involves seven inter-related studies designed to evaluate the appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency of Victoria's Prevention and Recovery Care Services (PARCS). Findings from the project will provide important information for service improvement and to help shape future directions for PARC-type services in Australia.

The research questions that form this project are specifically designed to address the following knowledge gaps:

1. Are PARCS providing the intended service option?
2. Who is admitted to PARCS, and do they differ from those admitted to inpatient services?
3. Do PARCS provide a positive and safe experience of care?
4. Do PARCS lead to better utilisation of mental health (and other) services?
5. Do consumers who use PARCS show improvements in symptomatology and personal recovery outcomes?
6. Do PARCS provide good value for money?

The project represents a partnership between universities, PARCS providers, clinical services and the Victorian Government, and will actively engage service users and their carers and other experts. The research team is comprised of independent researchers from the University of Melbourne, Monash University, La Trobe University and Deakin University and will work alongside partners from all the current MHCSS involved in providing PARC Services: Break Thru, Cohealth, Ermha, Life Without Barriers, Mind Australia, Neami National and Wellways (formerly MIF).

More information

For more information go to Building the evidence base of Prevention and Recovery Care (PARC) services in Victoria, Australia