Associate Professor Meredith Harris
Associate Professor

Meredith Harris

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Phone: 
+61 7 3271 8675

Background

Associate Professor Meredith Harris is a researcher in the field of mental health services research and evaluation. She is a Principal Research Fellow with the School of Public Health at the University of Queensland, based at the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research.

Meredith holds qualifications in psychology, policy and applied social research, and public health. She has over 25 years of experience in the management and administration of research projects, including systematic literature reviews, cross-sectional and longitudinal studies, studies based on epidemiological survey data, and evaluations of health programs and interventions using observational, quasi-experimental and experimental research designs.

Meredith's current role is with the Analysis and Reporting Component of the Australian Mental Health Outcomes and Classification Network (AMHOCN), which leads the design, analysis and reporting of the National Outcomes and Casemix Collection (http://www.amhocn.org/). In this role, she is leading a range of projects designed to improve the measurement of patient- and service-level outcomes in Australia's specialised public sector mental health services.

Availability

Associate Professor Meredith Harris is:
Available for supervision

Fields of research

Clinical sciences Health Sciences Psychology

Qualifications

  • Bachelor (Honours) of Arts, Macquarie University
  • Masters (Coursework), Macquarie University
  • Masters (Coursework) of Public Health, University of Sydney
  • Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland

Research interests

  • Investigating clinical and psychosocial outcomes of mental health treatment services and models

  • Evaluating primary mental health care reforms

  • Understanding population patterns of health service utilisation for mental health problems

  • Using epidemiological and policy analyses to inform mental health service planning decisions

Research impacts

Meredith has led several major research projects that have directly informed mental health policy and service planning. For example, she undertook two empirical mental health planning studies that developed service planning targets for public sector mental health services and community support services funded by the Queensland government. The recommendations from these studies were taken up directly in the subsequent Queensland Mental Health Plan 2007-17 and informed the Queensland Department of Communities’ Supporting Recovery: Mental Health Community Services Plan 2011-2017.

She has led or contributed to a number of projects related to initiatives implemented under the National Mental Health Strategy. For example, she was an investigator on several components of a government-funded evaluation of the Better Access initiative; particularly, she led Component B which involved an in-depth analysis of patterns of use of mental health services delivered subsidised via the Medicare Benefits Schedule. The evaluation contributed evidence that has been widely used in ongoing national debate about access, equity and outcomes associated with this major national mental health reform, and informed refinements to the program guidelines.

Meredith’s research has involved novel applications of epidemiological survey data to answer policy-relevant questions about the performance of Australia’s mental health system. Using these data, for example, she published the first study to quantify minimally adequate treatment for affective and anxiety disorders in the Australian mental health system, the first published independent evaluation of a major primary mental health care initiative (the Better Access program), and the first study to examine the match between practice guideline recommendations and treatment of subthreshold depression in Australian primary care settings. Collectively, these studies have contributed to ongoing debates and efforts to understand the impact of policy and service impacts of measures of disease burden related to mental disorders.

Search Professor Meredith Harris’s works on UQ eSpace

310 works between 1993 and 2025
All (310) Journal Article (182) Book Chapter (4) Conference Publication (85) Book (2) Other Outputs (37)

201 - 220 of 310 works

2012

Journal Article

Road to full recovery: Longitudinal relationship between symptomatic remission and psychosocial recovery in first-episode psychosis over 7.5 years

Alvarez-Jimenez, M., Gleeson, J. F., Henry, L. P., Harrigan, S. M., Harris, M. G., Killackey, E., Bendall, S., Amminger, G. P., Yung, A. R., Herrman, H., Jackson, H. J. and McGorry, P. D. (2012). Road to full recovery: Longitudinal relationship between symptomatic remission and psychosocial recovery in first-episode psychosis over 7.5 years. Psychological Medicine, 42 (3), 595-606. doi: 10.1017/S0033291711001504

Road to full recovery: Longitudinal relationship between symptomatic remission and psychosocial recovery in first-episode psychosis over 7.5 years

2012

Journal Article

Personalised support delivered by support workers for people with severe and persistent mental illness: A systematic review of patient outcomes

Siskind, D., Harris, M., Pirkis, J. and Whiteford, H. (2012). Personalised support delivered by support workers for people with severe and persistent mental illness: A systematic review of patient outcomes. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 21 (1), 97-110. doi: 10.1017/S2045796011000734

Personalised support delivered by support workers for people with severe and persistent mental illness: A systematic review of patient outcomes

2012

Journal Article

Classification Algorithm for the Determination of Suicide Attempt and Suicide (CAD-SAS) development and psychometric properties

Fedyszyn, Izabela E., Harris, Meredith G., Robinson, Jo and Paxton, Susan J. (2012). Classification Algorithm for the Determination of Suicide Attempt and Suicide (CAD-SAS) development and psychometric properties. Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 33 (3), 151-161. doi: 10.1027/0227-5910/a000122

Classification Algorithm for the Determination of Suicide Attempt and Suicide (CAD-SAS) development and psychometric properties

2012

Conference Publication

Patient-reported Outcomes from a Primary Mental Health Care Initiative in Australia

Harris, M. G., Pirkis, J., Ftanou, M., Williamson, M., Machlin, A., Spittal, M. J. and Bassilios, B. (2012). Patient-reported Outcomes from a Primary Mental Health Care Initiative in Australia. First Meeting on Patient Reported Outcomes in Mental Health, Washington DC, United States, 28-30 September 2012. Milano, Italy: International Center of Mental Health Policy and Economics.

Patient-reported Outcomes from a Primary Mental Health Care Initiative in Australia

2012

Conference Publication

Suicide-related behaviours during initial treatment for first-episode psychosis: classification, temporal course of risk, characteristics and predictors

Fedyszyn, Izabela E., Harris, Meredith G., Robinson, Jo and Paxton, Susan J. (2012). Suicide-related behaviours during initial treatment for first-episode psychosis: classification, temporal course of risk, characteristics and predictors. 8th International Conference on Early Psychosis: From Neurobiology to Public Policy, San Francsico, CA, United States, 11-13 October 2012. Richmond, VIC, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-7893.2012.00393.x

Suicide-related behaviours during initial treatment for first-episode psychosis: classification, temporal course of risk, characteristics and predictors

2012

Conference Publication

Findings from the EPPIC long term follow-up study of first episode psychosis: baseline predictors of the deficit syndrome at the long-term outcome

Henry, Lisa P., Herrman, Helen, Yuen, Hok Pan, Harris, Meredith, Jackson, Henry and McGorry, Patrick D. (2012). Findings from the EPPIC long term follow-up study of first episode psychosis: baseline predictors of the deficit syndrome at the long-term outcome. 8th International Conference on Early Psychosis: From Neurobiology to Public Policy, San Francisco, CA, United States, 11-13 October 2012. Richmond, VIC, Australia: Wiley-Blackwell. doi: 10.1111/j.1751-7893.2012.00394.x

Findings from the EPPIC long term follow-up study of first episode psychosis: baseline predictors of the deficit syndrome at the long-term outcome

2011

Journal Article

Stimulant use and stimulant use disorders in Australia: findings from the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing

Sara, Grant E., Burgess, Philip M., Harris, Meredith G., Malhi, Gin S. and Whiteford, Harvey A. (2011). Stimulant use and stimulant use disorders in Australia: findings from the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. Medical Journal of Australia, 195 (10), 607-610. doi: 10.5694/mja11.10360

Stimulant use and stimulant use disorders in Australia: findings from the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing

2011

Journal Article

Not letting the ideal be the enemy of the good: The case of the Better Access evaluation

Pirkis, Jane, Harris, Meredith, Ftanou, Maria and Williamson, Michelle (2011). Not letting the ideal be the enemy of the good: The case of the Better Access evaluation. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 45 (11), 911-914. doi: 10.3109/00048674.2011.617724

Not letting the ideal be the enemy of the good: The case of the Better Access evaluation

2011

Journal Article

Characteristics of suicide attempts in young people undergoing treatment for first episode psychosis

Fedyszyn, Izabela E., Harris, Meredith G., Robinson, Jo, Edwards, Jane and Paxton, Susan J. (2011). Characteristics of suicide attempts in young people undergoing treatment for first episode psychosis. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 45 (10), 838-845. doi: 10.3109/00048674.2011.595687

Characteristics of suicide attempts in young people undergoing treatment for first episode psychosis

2011

Journal Article

Australia's Better Access initiative: an evaluation

Pirkis, Jane, Ftanou, Maria, Williamson, Michelle, Machlin, Anna, Spittal, Matthew J., Bassilios, Bridget and Harris, Meredith (2011). Australia's Better Access initiative: an evaluation. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 45 (9), 726-739. doi: 10.3109/00048674.2011.594948

Australia's Better Access initiative: an evaluation

2011

Journal Article

Outcome in early-onset schizophrenia revisited: Findings from the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre long-term follow-up study

Amminger, G. Paul, Henry, Lisa P., Harrigan, Susy M., Harris, Meredith G., Alvarez-Jimenez, Mario, Herrman, Helen, Jackson, Henry J. and McGorry, Patrick D. (2011). Outcome in early-onset schizophrenia revisited: Findings from the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre long-term follow-up study. Schizophrenia Research, 131 (1-3), 112-119. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2011.06.009

Outcome in early-onset schizophrenia revisited: Findings from the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre long-term follow-up study

2011

Journal Article

Reliability and validity of a measure of role functioning among people with psychiatric disabilities

Harris, Meredith, Gladman, Beverley, Hennessy, Nicole, Lloyd, Chris, Mowry, Bryan and Waghorn, Geoffrey (2011). Reliability and validity of a measure of role functioning among people with psychiatric disabilities. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 58 (3), 203-208. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1630.2010.00921.x

Reliability and validity of a measure of role functioning among people with psychiatric disabilities

2011

Journal Article

Were the budgetary reforms to the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative appropriate? - Yes

Pirkis, Jane E. and Harris, Meredith G. (2011). Were the budgetary reforms to the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative appropriate? - Yes. Medical Journal of Australia, 194 (11), 594-594. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2011.tb03111.x

Were the budgetary reforms to the Better Access to Mental Health Care initiative appropriate? - Yes

2011

Journal Article

Erratum: Is early intervention in psychosis cost-effective over the long term? (Schizophrenia Bulletin (2009) 35 (909-918))

Mihalopoulos, Cathrine, Harris, Meredith, Henry, Lisa, Harrigan, Susy and McGorry, Patrick (2011). Erratum: Is early intervention in psychosis cost-effective over the long term? (Schizophrenia Bulletin (2009) 35 (909-918)). Schizophrenia Bulletin, 37 (3), 651-651. doi: 10.1093/schbul/sbq032

Erratum: Is early intervention in psychosis cost-effective over the long term? (Schizophrenia Bulletin (2009) 35 (909-918))

2011

Journal Article

The reliability of an education-related self-efficacy scale for people with psychiatric disabilities

Harris, Meredith, Gladman, Beverley, Hennessy, Nicole, Lloyd, Chris, Mowry, Bryan and Waghorn, Geoffrey (2011). The reliability of an education-related self-efficacy scale for people with psychiatric disabilities. Community Mental Health Journal, 47 (2), 136-142. doi: 10.1007/s10597-010-9294-4

The reliability of an education-related self-efficacy scale for people with psychiatric disabilities

2011

Journal Article

Earning and learning among Australian community residents with psychiatric disorders

Waghorn, Geoff, Chant, David, Lloyd, Chris and Harris, Meredith (2011). Earning and learning among Australian community residents with psychiatric disorders. Psychiatry Research, 186 (1), 109-116. doi: 10.1016/j.psychres.2010.07.037

Earning and learning among Australian community residents with psychiatric disorders

2011

Journal Article

Reliability and validity of a measure of work-related subjective experiences among people with psychiatric disabilities

Waghorn, Geoffrey, Harris, Meredith G., Gladman, Beverly, Hennesey, Nicole, Lloyd, Chris and Mowry, Bryan (2011). Reliability and validity of a measure of work-related subjective experiences among people with psychiatric disabilities. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation, 18 (3), 146-157. doi: 10.12968/ijtr.2011.18.3.146

Reliability and validity of a measure of work-related subjective experiences among people with psychiatric disabilities

2011

Journal Article

Correlates of antidepressant and anxiolytic, hypnotic or sedative medication use in an Australian community sample

Harris, Meredith G., Burgess, Philip M., Pirkis, Jane, Siskind, Dan, Slade, Tim and Whiteford, Harvey A. (2011). Correlates of antidepressant and anxiolytic, hypnotic or sedative medication use in an Australian community sample. Australian And New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 45 (3), 249-260. doi: 10.3109/00048674.2010.531459

Correlates of antidepressant and anxiolytic, hypnotic or sedative medication use in an Australian community sample

2011

Book

Evaluation of the better access to psychiatrists, psychologists and general practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule initiative: Summative evaluation. Final report

Pirkis, Jane, Harris, Meredith, Hall, Wayne and Ftanou, Maria (2011). Evaluation of the better access to psychiatrists, psychologists and general practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule initiative: Summative evaluation. Final report. Melbourne, Vic., Australia: University of Melbourne.

Evaluation of the better access to psychiatrists, psychologists and general practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule initiative: Summative evaluation. Final report

2011

Journal Article

Policy initiative to improve access to psychological services for people with affective and anxiety disorders: Population-level analysis

Harris, Meredith G., Burgess, Philip M., Pirkis, Jane E., Slade, Tim N. and Whiteford, Harvey A. (2011). Policy initiative to improve access to psychological services for people with affective and anxiety disorders: Population-level analysis. British Journal of Psychiatry, 198 (2), 99-108. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.109.073650

Policy initiative to improve access to psychological services for people with affective and anxiety disorders: Population-level analysis

Current funding

  • 2021 - 2026
    ALIVE - A National Research Translation Centre to implement Mental Health Care at Scale (NHMRC Special Initiative in Mental Health Grant, admin: UMelb)
    University of Melbourne
    Open grant

Past funding

  • 2021 - 2023
    Evaluation of the SANE Australia pilot for people with complex mental health needs
    Commonwealth Department of Health
    Open grant
  • 2021 - 2022
    Better Access Evaluation
    University of Melbourne
    Open grant
  • 2017 - 2018
    Understanding the factors associated with Australian mental health carer's employment
    Mind Australia Carer Development Fund
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2016
    The estimated value of informal care giving in mental health
    Mind Australia Carer Development Fund
    Open grant
  • 2015 - 2017
    Quantifying the burden of perinatal depression in Australia and New Zealand
    RANZCP Pat, Toni and Peter Kinsman Research Scholarship
    Open grant
  • 2014
    Updating estimates of service utilisation for mental disorders among Australian males
    Movember Foundation Research Grant
    Open grant
  • 2012
    ResTeach Funding 2012 0.2 FTE School of Population Health
    UQ ResTeach
    Open grant
  • 2011
    ResTeach 2011 0.2 FTE School of Population Health
    UQ ResTeach
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2010
    BRiTA Futures Collaborative Research Project
    Queensland Health
    Open grant
  • 2009 - 2011
    Evaluation of the Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and GPs through the Medicare Benefits Schedule Initiative (DoHA-funded project administered by University of Melbourne)
    University of Melbourne
    Open grant

Availability

Associate Professor Meredith Harris is:
Available for supervision

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Supervision history

Current supervision

Completed supervision

Enquiries

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