Research into the Psychological Risk Factors for Homelessness

Unit Code

00573

Department/Institution Offering Unit

Department of Psychiatry
7th Floor Charles Connibere Building
Royal Melbourne Hospital
Victoria 3050 Australia

web: www.psychiatry.unimelb.edu.au

Unit Points

Research Points: 87.5

Coursework Points: 12.5

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Contacts

Unit Coordinator/s:

Dr Alex Holmes
Department of Psychiatry
First Floor Main Building
Royal Melbourne Hospital
Grattan St
Parkville
Victoria 3050 Australia

tel: +61 3 9342 7705
fax: + 61 3 9349 2792
email: acnh@unimelb.edu.au

Alternative Contact:

Mrs Liz Horton
First Floor Main Building
Royal Melbourne Hospital
Grattan St
Parkville
Victoria 3050 Australia

tel: +61 3 9342 7705
fax: +61 3 9349 2792
email: ehorton@unimelb.edu.au

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Overall Objectives

The subject is designed to:

• Provide an introduction to psychiatry
• Provide an understanding of homelessness
• Explore the interactions between homelessness and mental disorder
• Allow the student to conduct research into the interactions between homelessness and mental health

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Content

Coursework: Either Intermediate Epidemiology and Biostatistics OR Qualitative Health Research.
Students will also be provided with an introduction to psychiatry through a lecture series one morning a week for the first 9 weeks.

Research: The students will undertake an original research project within the structure of the Royal Melbourne Hospital - Inner West Area Mental Health Service Homeless Outreach Psychiatric Service (HOPS). The research will, be conducted in the homeless population, defined as those who are shelterless or using crisis accommodation.

Sample Research Topics:

1. A study into the prevalence of accommodation stability in patients with psychosis
2. A study on the qualities of attachment of homeless persons
3. A study of homeless persons presentations to the emergency department.

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Assessment Breakdown

Research Component: 87.5 points
Research Report (up to 9,000 words): 100%

Coursework Component: 12.5 points
Intermediate Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Qualitative Health Research will be assessed as per subject description.

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Student Numbers

Number of places available:
2