Kintsugi: Comprehensive repair of Australia’s fractured psychiatric care system

Abstract

Objective We provide an update of the current challenges facing public and private psychiatric care sector in Australia, contextualised by international and national information on factors affecting health system performance. Conclusions There are practical and sustainable repairs that may bridge the gaps between primary care, private psychiatrists, and the public psychiatric system. These are based upon foundations of better linkages, adequate infrastructure, improved social support, and reforming public and private sector workplaces to retain healthcare workers despite pandemic-related attrition. Professional organisations need to redouble their efforts as advocates to governments, in the media matrix, and the general public.