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Mental health leaders from the Asia Pacific convened in Taiwan to build collaborative research partnerships in community mental health

The Asia Pacific is fast becoming a hub not only for economic development and trade, but also in research capacity.  As the shift in economic weight moves toward Asia, there is also increased investment in education, with the tertiary sector expanding.  The future will see the Asia Pacific region becoming a central point in mental health research.  

Some members from 14 countries in the Asia Pacific Community Mental Health Development Project (APCMHDP) network convened in Taipei, Taiwan in November 2010.  Hosted by Taipei Medical University, and partnering with Asia Australia Mental Health (AAMH), the conference focused on sharing experiences in community mental health systems and research across the region, as well as looking at best practice ways to build creative partnerships.

During the conference, leaders from each of the 14 countries presented on their key priorities and challenges in community mental health research.  Discussions amongst the participants indicated that strong research in community mental health was needed to build knowledge, data and understanding of key areas in community mental health.  Greater evidence-based research, as well as practice-based research could be used for gaining support from Government and Peak bodies to build further programs in community mental health.

An online collaboration platform for the network was also explored throughout the conference.  All agreed that greater and more frequent interaction was needed to continue to share knowledge and understanding within the Asia Pacific region.  Mr David Paroissien, program manager, AAMH, presented on ways of conducting online meetings to highlight important research and service developments that will be of interest and use for the regional network.

Associate Professor Chee Ng and Mr. David Paroissien from AAMH also conducted a leadership workshop, which developed leadership capacity and skills to build effective partnerships in collaborative research projects.

Professor Duujian Tsai, from Taipei Medical University, presented comprehensively on collaborative research methods, including a focus on how we can share research data, results, and develop appropriate research protocols for the region.  Superintendent Joseph Cheng, Bali Psychiatric Centre, Taiwan, also presented on key challenges in the Taiwan community mental health system as well as quality indicators in community mental health research.  Both Professor Tsai and Professor Cheng are key members of the APCMHDP network.

Download a full program of speakers and topics


Members of the Taiwan conference, November 2010


Participants discuss issues of leadership in building research collaborations