scholarly journals Mental health capacity building in low and middle income countries: the Emerald Programme

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-2 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Thornicroft ◽  
M. Semrau
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Capacity Building ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

scholarly journals Developing capacity-building activities for mental health system strengthening in low- and middle-income countries for service users and caregivers, service planners, and researchers

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Semrau ◽  
A. Alem ◽  
J. Abdulmalik ◽  
S. Docrat ◽  
S. Evans-Lacko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health System ◽  
Capacity Building ◽  
Mental Health System ◽  
Health System Strengthening ◽  
Target Groups ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Building Activities ◽  
Low And Middle Income

There is increasing international recognition of the need to build capacity to strengthen mental health systems. This is a fundamental goal of the ‘Emerging mental health systems in low- and middle-income countries’ (Emerald) programme, which is being implemented in six low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) (Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda). This paper discusses Emerald's capacity-building approaches and outputs for three target groups in mental health system strengthening: (1) mental health service users and caregivers, (2) service planners and policy-makers, and (3) mental health researchers. When planning the capacity-building activities, the approach taken included a capabilities/skills matrix, needs assessments, a situational analysis, systematic reviews, qualitative interviews and stakeholder meetings, as well as the application of previous theory, evidence and experience. Each of the Emerald LMIC partners was found to have strengths in aspects of mental health system strengthening, which were complementary across the consortium. Furthermore, despite similarities across the countries, capacity-building interventions needed to be tailored to suit the specific needs of individual countries. The capacity-building outputs include three publicly and freely available short courses/workshops in mental health system strengthening for each of the target groups, 27 Masters-level modules (also open access), nine Emerald-linked PhD students, two MSc studentships, mentoring of post-doctoral/mid-level researchers, and ongoing collaboration and dialogue with the three groups. The approach taken by Emerald can provide a potential model for the development of capacity-building activities across the three target groups in LMICs.

scholarly journals Evaluating capacity-building for mental health system strengthening in low- and middle-income countries for service users and caregivers, service planners and researchers

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Hanlon ◽  
M. Semrau ◽  
A. Alem ◽  
S. Abayneh ◽  
J. Abdulmalik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Capacity Building ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Health System Strengthening ◽  
Service Users ◽  
Target Groups ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Building Activities ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Efforts to support the scale-up of integrated mental health care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) need to focus on building human resource capacity in health system strengthening, as well as in the direct provision of mental health care. In a companion editorial, we describe a range of capacity-building activities that are being implemented by a multi-country research consortium (Emerald: Emerging mental health systems in low- and middle-income countries) for (1) service users and caregivers, (2) service planners and policy-makers and (3) researchers in six LMICs (Ethiopia, India, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa and Uganda). In this paper, we focus on the methodology being used to evaluate the impact of capacity-building in these three target groups. We first review the evidence base for approaches to evaluation of capacity-building, highlighting the gaps in this area. We then describe the adaptation of best practice for the Emerald capacity-building evaluation. The resulting mixed method evaluation framework was tailored to each target group and to each country context. We identified a need to expand the evidence base on indicators of successful capacity-building across the different target groups. To address this, we developed an evaluation plan to measure the adequacy and usefulness of quantitative capacity-building indicators when compared with qualitative evaluation. We argue that evaluation needs to be an integral part of capacity-building activities and that expertise needs to be built in methods of evaluation. The Emerald evaluation provides a potential model for capacity-building evaluation across key stakeholder groups and promises to extend understanding of useful indicators of success.

scholarly journals How child mental health training is conceptualized in four low- and middle-income countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Panos Vostanis ◽  
Seyda Eruyar ◽  
Sadiyya Haffejee ◽  
Michelle O’Reilly
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Capacity Building ◽  
Community Involvement ◽  
Child Mental Health ◽  
Mental Wellbeing ◽  
Mental Health Training ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

AbstractThe objective was to establish how stakeholders in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) conceptualize child mental health impact. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 stakeholders from disadvantaged urban communities in Kenya, South Africa, Turkey and Brazil. Participants represented education, welfare and health care agencies; as well as community and religious groups. Data were analysed through a thematic approach and three related themes were identified. Impact was defined as a process of change, with child-centred outcomes and measures that were broader than mental health symptoms improvement. Beneficiaries were identified at child, family, community and service level. Participants wished to see strategies that ensured sustainability of impact, namely child mental health policy, stakeholder engagement, interdisciplinary working, and capacity-building for all stakeholder groups. Child mental health service transformation in LMIC, especially in areas of deprivation, needs to build on existing resources and strengths by co-producing psychosocial outcomes with a range of professional and community stakeholders. Impact on children’s mental wellbeing can be achieved through a co-ordinated strategy that involves designated policy, capacity-building, and interdisciplinary networks with meaningful community involvement.

scholarly journals Research, education and capacity building priorities for violence, abuse and mental health in low- and middle-income countries: an international qualitative survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roxanne C. Keynejad ◽  
Abigail Bentley ◽  
Urvita Bhatia ◽  
Oliva Nalwadda ◽  
Fikru Debebe Mekonnen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Capacity Building ◽  
Voluntary Sector ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Research Education ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Purpose Despite the World Health Organization and United Nations recognising violence, abuse and mental health as public health priorities, their intersection is under-studied in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). International violence, abuse and mental health network (iVAMHN) members recognised the need to identify barriers and priorities to develop this field. Methods Informed by collaborative discussion between iVAMHN members, we conducted a pilot study using an online survey to identify research, education and capacity building priorities for violence, abuse and mental health in LMICs. We analysed free-text responses using thematic analysis. Results 35 senior (29%) and junior researchers (29%), non-government or voluntary sector staff (18%), health workers (11%), students (11%) and administrators (3%) completed the survey. Respondents worked in 24 LMICs, with 20% working in more than one country. Seventy-four percent of respondents worked in sub-Saharan Africa, 37% in Asia and smaller proportions in Latin America, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Respondents described training, human resource, funding and sensitivity-related barriers to researching violence, abuse and mental health in LMICs and recommended a range of actions to build capacity, streamline research pathways, increase efficiency and foster collaborations and co-production. Conclusion The intersection between violence, abuse and mental health in LMICs is a priority for individuals with a range of expertise across health, social care and the voluntary sector. There is interest in and support for building a strong network of parties engaged in research, service evaluation, training and education in this field. Networks like iVAMHN can act as hubs, bringing together diverse stakeholders for collaboration, co-production and mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and skills.

scholarly journals Barriers and drivers to capacity-building in global mental health projects

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarik Endale ◽  
Onaiza Qureshi ◽  
Grace Kathryn Ryan ◽  
Georgina Miguel Esponda ◽  
Ruth Verhey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Capacity Building ◽  
Stakeholder Engagement ◽  
Global Mental Health ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Grand Challenges ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Contextual Understanding ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background The global shortage of mental health workers is a significant barrier to the implementation and scale-up of mental health services. Partially as a result of this shortage, approximately 85% of people with mental, neurological and substance-use disorders in low- and middle-income countries do not receive care. Consequently, developing and implementing scalable solutions for mental health capacity-building has been identified as a priority in global mental health. There remains limited evidence to inform best practices for capacity building in global mental health. As one in a series of four papers on factors affecting the implementation of mental health projects in low- and middle-income countries, this paper reflects on the experiences of global mental health grantees funded by Grand Challenges Canada, focusing on the barriers to and drivers of capacity-building. Methods Between June 2014 and May 2017, current or former Grand Challenges Canada Global Mental Health grantees were recruited using purposive sampling. N = 29 grantees participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews, representing projects in Central America and the Caribbean (n = 4), South America (n = 1), West Africa (n = 4), East Africa (n = 6), South Asia (n = 11) and Southeast Asia (n = 3). Based on the results of a quantitative analysis of project outcomes using a portfolio-level Theory of Change framework, six key themes were identified as important to implementation success. As part of a larger multi-method study, this paper utilized a framework analysis to explore the themes related to capacity-building. Results Study participants described barriers and facilitators to capacity building within three broad themes: (1) training, (2) supervision, and (3) quality assurance. Running throughout these thematic areas were the crosscutting themes of contextual understanding, human resources, and sustainability. Additionally, participants described approaches and mechanisms for successful capacity building. Conclusions This study demonstrates the importance of capacity building to global mental health research and implementation, its relationship to stakeholder engagement and service delivery, and the implications for funders, implementers, and researchers alike. Investment in formative research, contextual understanding, stakeholder engagement, policy influence, and integration into existing systems of education and service delivery is crucial for the success of capacity building efforts.

scholarly journals Barriers and drivers to capacity-building in global mental health projects

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tarik Endale ◽  
Onaiza Qureshi ◽  
Grace Kathryn Ryan ◽  
Georgina Miguel Esponda ◽  
Ruth Verhey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Capacity Building ◽  
Stakeholder Engagement ◽  
Global Mental Health ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Grand Challenges ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Contextual Understanding ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract BackgroundThe global shortage of mental health workers is a significant barrier to the implementation and scale-up of mental health services. Partially as a result of this shortage, approximately 85% of people with mental, neurological and substance-use disorders in low- and middle-income countries do not receive care. Consequently, developing and implementing scalable solutions for mental health capacity-building has been identified as a priority in global mental health. There remains limited evidence to inform best practices for capacity building in global mental health. As one in a series of four papers on factors affecting the implementation of mental health projects in low- and middle-income countries, this paper reflects on the experiences of Global Mental Health grantees funded by Grand Challenges Canada, focusing on the barriers to and drivers of capacity-building.MethodsBetween June 2014 and May 2017, current or former Grand Challenges Canada Global Mental Health grantees were recruited using purposive sampling. N=29 grantees participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews, representing projects in Central America and the Caribbean (n=4), South America (n=1), West Africa (n=4), East Africa (n=6), South Asia (n=11) and Southeast Asia (n=3). Based on the results of a quantitative analysis of project outcomes using a portfolio-level Theory of Change framework, six key themes were identified as important to implementation success. As part of a larger multi-method study, this paper utilized a framework analysis to explore the themes related to capacity-building.ResultsStudy participants described barriers and facilitators to capacity building within three broad themes: 1) training, 2) supervision, and 3) quality assurance. Running throughout these thematic areas were the crosscutting themes of contextual understanding, human resources, and sustainability. Additionally, participants described approaches and mechanisms for successful capacity building.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the importance of capacity building to global mental health research and implementation, its relationship to stakeholder engagement and service delivery, and the implications for funders, implementers, and researchers alike. Investment in formative research, contextual understanding, stakeholder engagement, policy influence, and integration into existing systems of education and service delivery is crucial for the success of capacity building efforts.

scholarly journals Mental health of children with neurodevelopmental disorders during COVID-19: A brief report of family experiences from a low and middle income country

2021 ◽  
pp. 135910452110260
Author(s):  
Sowmyashree M Kaku
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorder ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
Similar Report ◽  
Low And Middle Income

COVID-19 has grossly impacted lives of people across the globe. In particular, children have also been affected due to closure of schools, therapy, and day care centers. Families have been challenged with new circumstances, and mental health professionals are coming up with novel ways to help these families who have children with mental health issues. This article describes experiences of families who have children with a diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorder with comorbid mental health difficulties and their ways of coping with the pandemic challenges. The series will throw light on ground level experiences of families during the pandemic, give insights into their ways of adapting, and brings out problem areas which healthcare professionals must work on, to design novel ways of care. The case series is novel and a similar report has probably not been presented from India or other low and middle income countries.

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