What should guide cross-sector collaborations between mental health and alcohol and other drug services? A scoping review

Objectives: Recent workforce strategies require mental health workers to collaborate across sectors. This scoping review aims to identify the theoretical principles (e.g. frameworks, models, strategies) that inform the implementation of cross-sector initiatives on a workforce level, with an emphasis on the role of leadership.

Method: This scoping review was completed according to co-produced principles. Included publications met each criterion: (i) cross-sector; (ii) collaborative-based; (iii) theoretical principles expressed in a framework, strategy, models or initiatives; (iv) mental health and/or alcohol services; and (v) workforce focus. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsychINFO) and published grey literature (including reports, guidelines, evaluations) in English-language were searched to December 2018.

Results: Database searches identified 1,377 publications. Articles not meeting the selection criteria were excluded; 1,371 were excluded during title/abstract screening, three were excluded during full-text screening, three were included in this review. Grey literature search contributed seven publications. In total 10 publications were included. Five key themes were identified: (i) mental health; ii alcohol and other drugs; (iii) recovery orientated; (iv) lived experience workforce; these impact the structure, sector and workforce, including lived experience workforce. Literature addressing leadership was dearth.

Discussion: Existing models of cross-sector collaboration often fail to address factors important to mental health and alcohol and other drug service delivery (e.g. recovery, consumer and carer participation). Future models should emphasise workforce development, including the emerging role of the lived experience workforce.