Interprofessional relationships in dual diagnosis discourse in an Australian State: are we respecting each other yet?

Abstract

‘Dual diagnosis’ discourse has emerged since the 1980s, with the dominant message of ensuring people with both mental health (MH) and alcohol and other drug problems receive coordinated or integrated treatment for both types of problem. In a climate of rapprochement (required or voluntary) between service sectors, mutual understanding and respect are essential. While the literatures refer to interprofessional and intersectoral tensions, there is little thorough contemporary exploration of these as barriers to effective treatment and support. This article discusses the implications of a ‘no wrong door’ policy for the staff of acute MH services in an Australian State. The nature of interprofessional and intersectoral contestations is explored and it is argued that addressing these is a necessary step in discovery of better approaches to the complexities of people's experience of what is considered to be ‘dual diagnosis’. The article draws on findings from a single case study of the emergence of dual diagnos...