Workforce Allocation in Urban Community Mental Health Services: GIS-Based Analytical Insights for Policy and Planning

作者：Somayyeh Azimi, Nasir Uddin · 发表于：Healthcare · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.3390/healthcare13172092 · 被引用次数：1 · 研究领域：Mental Health Treatment and Access、Healthcare Operations and Scheduling Optimization、Healthcare Policy and Management

Background/Objectives: This study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current mental health workforce and the factors influencing its distribution within adult community mental health services in Western Australia’s North Metropolitan Health Service. Methods: Mental health workforce supply across North Metropolitan Statistical Area Level 2 (SA2-Australian Statistical Geography Standard) was estimated using the Geographically-adjusted Index of Relative Supply (GIRS) and categorised as low (0–3) or moderate-to-high (4–8) for analysis and testing associations with multiple covariates. Population, clinic, and individual-level data were analysed using principal component analysis and logistic regression to identify the factors associated with workforce distribution. Results: Of the 68 SA2s analysed, 25 SA2s (representing 45 suburbs) were identified as having a low workforce supply, defined by a GIRS score of ≤3. These areas were compared to those with a moderate-to-high supply (GIRS > 3) to assess the differences in service performance. A principal component analysis identified three key components within the data: service usage, health service providers, and service efficiency. A logistic regression analysis revealed that areas with a low workforce supply were significantly more likely to experience reduced service usage (OR = 3.3, p = 0.037, CI [0.09–0.92]), indicating fewer patient interactions and lower engagement with mental health services. In addition, t...