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Abstract
The relationships of carers of mentally ill people in Queensland with professional mental health providers since the introduction of community-based services was explored A single crosssectional survey, taking the form of a comprehensive questionnaire was distributed to carers of people suffering from mental illness throughout Queensland by means of an insert in the newsletters offive community mental health organisations. Included was a 17-item instrument developed/or the study, The Mental Health Professional and Carer Quality of Relationship and Communication Scale. A total of 157 carers (13%) responded to the survey. Respondents perceived mental health workers to be professional, friendly, respectful and positive in outlook. However they indicated dissatisfaction with accessibility, communication about treatment of relatives, involvement of carers in decision-making and psychoeducation. A significant minority was not satisfied with response to crisis situations. Although the results indicated this study should be viewed with caution because of problems with sampling, they suggest that, despite clear policy guidelines that favour communication and partnership with carers, mental health professionals have yet to develop skills and attitudes consistent with genuine involvement with carers in core clinical processes.