scholarly journals Challenges in implementing evidence-based practice into mental health services

2006 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank P Deane ◽  
Trevor P Crowe ◽  
Robert King ◽  
David J Kavanagh ◽  
Lindsay G Oades

This paper highlights challenges in implementing mental health policy at a service delivery level. It describes an attempt to foster greater application of recovery-orientated principles and practices within mental health services. Notwithstanding a highly supportive policy environment, strong support from service administrators, and an enthusiastic staff response to training, application of the training and support tools was weaker than anticipated. This paper evaluates the dissemination trial against key elements to promote sustained adoption of innovations. Organisational and procedural changes are required before mental health policies are systematically implemented in practice.

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S337-S338
Author(s):  
S. Jokela ◽  
J. Mäki-Opas

IntroductionEarlier researches have established that migrants with refugee background have increased risk for variety of mental health problems due to often traumatic reasons for leaving their home country, hazardous journey and post-migration adversity. The challenge is that mental health work with refugees is not systematically organized in Finland. PALOMA (developing National mental health policies for refugees 2016-2018) project was launched to answer these challenges. The project is carried out through the combined effort of National institute for health and welfare, The Finnish association for mental health, Helsinki and Kuopio university hospitals, and the municipality of Hämeenlinna. PALOMA Project is founded by the Asylum, migration and integration fund (AMIF).ObjectivesPALOMA project focuses on exploring existing good practices and weaknesses in mental health services in use for refugees. The objectives of the project are to develop a national model for effective mental health services for refugees and implement it nationwide in Finland.AimsThe aim of PALOMA Project is to develop a national model for effective mental health services for refugees in Finland.MethodsPALOMA Project includes three phases: data collection (interviews, literature review, seminars), building the model in expert groups and implementing the model.ResultsAs a result of PALOMA Project, there will be guidelines for professionals working in different levels of administration with refugees in Finland.ConclusionRefugees’ mental health and wellbeing will be improved as a result of better prevention, recognition and appropriate care of mental health problems.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2020 ◽  
pp. 0957154X2096617
Author(s):  
Merve Kardelen Bilir ◽  
Fatih Artvinli

This article offers a brief history and the evolution of mental health policy in Turkey. It aims to analyse how mental health policies were transformed and why certain policies were introduced at specific times. The modern history of mental health policy is divided into three periods: the institutionalization of psychiatry and hospital-based mental health services; the introduction of community-based mental healthcare services; and lastly, the policy of deinstitutionalization after the 1980s. These periods have been categorized in a way that basically coincides with Turkey’s modern political history.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
I R Rubikas

Abstract Background Lithuanian has experienced rapid and relatively successful transition to capitalism and transatlantic-Western values and practices in recent decades. Suicide and legal alcohol consumption rates remain the highest in the EU and OECD, and Lithuania's Positive emotions index score has been consistently amongst the 10 lowest in the world in recent years. Emigration rate is the highest in the EU and OECD, social inequality is amongst the highest in the same groups. Despite a relatively strong economy these changes are not automatically transferred to better social and emotional well-being. Methods This unconventional situation calls for strong and unconventional policy responses in the area of mental health, amongst others. Health impact assessment using theory-based approach and desk research. Results Recent attempts include strategic reorientation towards social and emotional well-being, stronger focus on prevention and promotion and primary care, intensifying efforts to reduce suicide rates, and implementation of strong regulatory measures to reduce alcohol use. Suicide rates have been declining since 2013 but remain high. Effort is made to implement best practices in media reporting, recognition and providing appropriate help for those in suicide crisis, expanding prevention efforts. Conclusions Finally, WHOs “best buys” in alcohol control were implemented since 2017, including steep increases in excise taxes, ban on alcohol advertisement, increase of allowed age, reducing alcohol trading hours and others. This resulted in the steepest decline of legal alcohol consumption in decades. The chosen policy route may be called iterative policy-making, whereby improvements are made along the way, which allows for quicker policy decisions and results. Key messages Mental health policies need to be based on the socio-political context of the specific country. Smaller countries such as Lithuania might benefit form flexible approaches to mental health policies.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  

Abstract The workshop has the aim to help developing and strengthening policies for Public Mental Health and support experience sharing platform for Public Mental Health policy development. Mental health policy defines the vision for the future mental health of the national population and internationally. The WHOs developed three recommendations for the development of mental health policy, strategic plans and for organizing services which are to deinstitutionalise mental health care; to integrate mental health into general health care; and to develop community mental health services. For each this aim a situational analysis and needs assessment is recommended as first step. Therefore, this workshop consists of four talks in the development of mental health policies at the regional and national level. First, the process of population consultations and participatory research is described (Felix Sisenop). Participatory research enables exchanging experiences, results and key challenges in Public Mental Health. Participatory research can contribute greatly in empowering people to discuss and deal with mental health issues and therefore is a step towards a more involved and active general public. Second, a policy development at the regional level is described (Elvira Mauz). On behalf of the federal ministry of health the Robert Koch Institute as the German public health institute is currently developing a concept for a national Mental Health Surveillance (MHS). In the talk objectives, framework model and work processes are presented. The MHS should systematically gather, process and analyze primary and secondary data, thus an integrating and monitoring system is working. Third, the Public Mental Health policy in Malta will be described (John Cachia) Over the last 7 years CMH Malta developed a strategic framework for the mental health with the input of patients, families, service providers, NGOs and civil society. The Maltese National Mental Health Strategy 2020-2030 was published in July 2019. This strategy will be described in the Talk. Fourth presenter (Ignas Rubikas) will introduce the national perspective on development of Lithuanian mental health policy addressing major public mental health challenges of suicide prevention, alcohol control policies and mental health promotion in a broader context of national mental health care. Key messages Participatory research in Public Mental Health is an approach to involve the population in policy development. Development of mental health policies can benefit from sharing experiences and lessons learned on a national and regional levels.


2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-80
Author(s):  
Daniel Kwai Apat ◽  
Wellington Digwa

This paper examines mental health policies in relation to African communities residing in New South Wales, Australia and the attitudes of African communities toward mental disorders and mental health services. Current mental health policy frameworks have shown an inadequate inclusion of African communities. This may negatively affect the design of mental health interventions and how African communities engage with mental health services. The available mental health literature on African communities showed disjointed and uncoordinated data which focuses on specific community-groups within African communities. Insufficient mental health or suicide data, combined with African community members’ perception toward mental disorders and mental health services, makes it very difficult to progress engagement and interventions. There is a need for proper and sizable data on mental health related to people of African descent in NSW and Australia wide, if positive outcomes are to be realised.


2003 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 176-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Régis Blais ◽  
Jean-Jacques Breton ◽  
Mylène Fournier ◽  
Marie St-Georges ◽  
Claude Berthiaume

Objectives: The purpose of this study was twofold: 1) to determine whether publicly funded mental health services and resources available in 4 large regions in the province of Quebec were distributed according to the mental health needs of children aged 6 to 14 years and 2) to assess whether the variations in mental health services and resources across the 4 regions had changed over a 5-year period. Methods: Indicators of need according to the child's parent (presence of mental disorder, measure of adaptation, and perception of need for help) from an epidemiologic survey of 2400 noninstitutionalized children were compared with both in-school and community professional resources and with physician and hospital services in 1992–1993. Resource and service data were also collected for 1997–1998. Resource and service data came from professional colleges and government administrative databases. Results: No significant regional differences were found for need indicators, but there were large discrepancies in mental health resources and services in 1992–1993. Differences in professional resources were largest for special education teachers in the school system and for psychiatrists in the community. The regional differences in resources and services were as large in 1997–1998 as they were in 1992–1993. Conclusions: Despite universal health care in Quebec and a government mental health policy stressing equity of access, the available mental health resources for children aged 6 to 14 years are not distributed across regions according to needs. More evidence-based planning is required, specifically using epidemiologic survey data, to match resources to needs and to monitor changes over time.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. O’Keeffe ◽  
V. Russell

ObjectivesTo determine the distribution, functioning and perceived impact of home-based treatment (HBT) teams for acute mental disorders on the island of Ireland.MethodsA 28-item questionnaire exploring the structure, staffing and operation of HBT teams was emailed to all clinical directors of mental health services in Ireland (n=26) and Northern Ireland (NI) (n=5). Quantitative data was analysed using the Survey Monkey package, while free-text responses to open questions were analysed for thematic content.ResultsIn total, 11 of 16 (68%) mental health services in Ireland and four of five (80%) in NI confirmed the presence of HBT teams. For 80% of respondents the primary function of HBT was as an alternative to inpatient admission. All NI respondents reported provision of a 24/7 HBT service. A 7 day a week service was reported by 82% of Republic of Ireland respondents. In total, 70% of respondents reported a gate-keeping role for their teams. Staffing levels and multidisciplinary representation varied widely. Most respondents perceived HBT as improving patient/carer experience and cost-effectiveness.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the implementation of the HBT model in Ireland has not fulfilled the aspirations set out in mental health policy in both Irish jurisdictions. Many areas have no HBT services while wide variations in staffing levels and functioning persist. However, mental health services with established HBT teams appear convinced of their positive impact. An All-Ireland forum on HBT may help to define the model in an Irish context and standardise its future resourcing, operation and evaluation.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S568-S568
Author(s):  
C. Aroui ◽  
A. Khoubila ◽  
K. Mchichi Alami ◽  
M. Agoub ◽  
O. Battas ◽  
...  

IntroductionAll over the world, there is global emergency when it comes to respecting human rights in providing good mental health services. Morocco as an African and a developing country has always had a mental health policy defined by several glitches and failures, which had not helped him improve its mental health services quality. Nevertheless, huge improvements were achieved through time.ObjectivesThis report, aims to draw attention on how compulsory it is to think and act all together to promote mental health and provide patients with better health services in Morocco.MethodsThe National Human Rights Council conducted an information and investigation mission in Morocco's main mental health hospitals and facilities between March 27 and July 6, 2012.ResultsStructures are insufficient and inadequate in terms of geographical distribution, architecture and equipment. There is a big shortage of medical and paramedical staff and little interest is given to vulnerable groups. Nevertheless, huge improvements have also been achieved through time with mental health issues becoming a cornerstone of the ministerial program, the involvement of the NGOs, the construction of newer facilities, the implementation of an information gathering system and the presence of a substance use policy.ConclusionPsychiatry in Morocco has come a long way since it was firstly implemented in the country as a medical specialty. Undoubtedly, a lot has been done but much more remains to be achieved. The current situation requires relevant actions and that clearly includes the implementation of a new mental health policy and the update of the legal framework.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Corlett

Purpose – The Policy Watch series reflects on recent and forthcoming developments in mental health policy across the UK. The purpose of this paper is to review recent developments in mental health policy, specifically the implications and learning for mental health services of recent scandals such as Mid Staffordshire and Winterbourne View and the various responses to them. Design/methodology/approach – This paper reviews and summarises recent developments in national mental health policy in England and their implications for mental health service provision. Findings – The paper outlines how learning from recent scandals such as Mid Staffordshire and Winterbourne View can be applied in mental health services. Originality/value – The paper updates and discusses recent policy developments in the NHS and their implications for mental health services.


2020 ◽  
pp. 026101831989737
Author(s):  
Dimitrios Lampropoulos ◽  
Thémis Apostolidis

Research has shown that mental healthcare policies aimed at achieving autonomy and integration for people with mental disorders have been developing all over the world. Critics working from a governmentality perspective have argued that these changes are associated with broader neoliberal strategies and aims. In France however, there is no systematic work on this development. In this study, we have applied Bacchi’s ‘What’s the Problem Represented to Be’ approach to the main texts published by the French Ministry of Health since 2005, in order to study how the citizenship of mental health users is problematized. According to our analysis, the objectives of the autonomization, responsibilization and self-management of users have become increasingly central, following the recognition of users’ rights, social inclusion and the fight against the stigma of mental disorders. These developments have many points of contact with neoliberal governmentality. We conclude with recommendations for empirical research on discourses and practices in the field, where mental health policies are translated into mental health projects and practice.


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