Anthony Bligh focused on impelmentation sciences
Metro North Mental Health Director of Psychology Anthony Bligh is becoming a travelling spokesperson for implementation science through his involvement in the Graduate Certificate in Health Services Innovation.
Part of the first cohort of Metro North staff undertaking in the graduate certificate, Mr Bligh sees a huge benefit in improving knowledge translation skills.
“I see it as a blueprint to do things differently and more successfully,” he said.
An experienced researcher, Mr Bligh was first approached about taking part in the certificate by Dr Gail Robinson, Metro North Mental Health’s Director of Medical Services.
“My first thought was ‘I’m too busy’. Then I read about the course and I saw my role description reflected back at me,” Mr Bligh said.
“It was directly relevant to the challenges of my job and the need to learn how to do things better.
“It’s hard to find the time, but there’s no doubt about the benefit. I’ve recommended it to colleagues.”
Having started the certificate in February 2018, Mr Bligh will begin his second semester with an ongoing evaluation of a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis project that was also successful in Metro North’s SEED (Support, Explore, Excel, Deliver) Innovation Funding Program.
“With this project we have been focused on implementation science from the word go: how can we do better to make the implementation of interventions in mental health more of a success.
“I’d really like to see more mental health involvement in the graduate certificate. There’s a lot to learn in th is space about following the evidence base more strongly to achieve effective implementation.
“It’s about putting great ideas into practice.”
Mr Bligh has a range of research projects behind him, most notably in alcohol and drug treatments and co-existing mental health disorders. He also has a strong interest in depression, anxiety and PTSD, as well as involvement in the supervision and training of psychology students. Most recently he has refocused on clinical work.
