scholarly journals Challenging times for mental health services

2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matt Muijen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Global Financial Crisis ◽  
House Prices ◽  
Commodity Prices ◽  
Mental Health Systems ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
To Come ◽  
The Global Financial Crisis

We are living in significant and challenging times for mental health services across the world. On the one hand, many countries are in the middle of comprehensive reforms of their mental health systems, and these require funding (WHO Europe, 2008). On the other, they are affected by the global financial crisis as regional and national economic recessions threaten to herald a social crisis in many countries. Governments have had to come up with multi-billion-dollar rescue packages. At an individual level, debt status is already high in many countries, owing to falling house prices and high consumption levels, combined with rising commodity prices during the past few years, before the onset of the recession. At a public level, countries will be forced to make stringent cuts in public sector expenditure.

Perceived Service Need After Hurricane Sandy in a Representative Sample of Survivors: The Roles of Community-Level Damage and Individual-Level Stressors

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 428-435 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Sampson ◽  
Sarah R. Lowe ◽  
Oliver Gruebner ◽  
Gregory H. Cohen ◽  
Sandro Galea
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Hurricane Sandy ◽  
Building Damage ◽  
Community Level ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Service Need

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to explore how individually experienced disaster-related stressors and collectively experienced community-level damage influenced perceived need for mental health services in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.MethodsIn a cross-sectional study we analyzed 418 adults who lived in the most affected areas of New York City at the time of the storm. Participants indicated whether they perceived a need for mental health services since the storm and reported on their exposure to disaster-related stressors (eg, displacement, property damage). We located participants in communities (n=293 census tracts) and gathered community-level demographic data through the US Census and data on the number of damaged buildings in each community from the Federal Emergency Management Agency Modeling Task Force.ResultsA total of 7.9% of participants reported mental health service need since the hurricane. Through multilevel binomial logistic regression analysis, we found a cross-level interaction (P=0.04) between individual-level exposure to disaster-related stressors and community-level building damage. Individual-level stressors were significantly predictive of individual service needs in communities with building damage (adjusted odds ratio: 2.56; 95% confidence interval: 1.58-4.16) and not in communities without damage.ConclusionIndividuals who experienced individual stressors and who lived in more damaged communities were more likely to report need for services than were other persons after Hurricane Sandy. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:428–435)

Optimization of community-based mental health services: a systematic review

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 221-239
Author(s):  
Ahmad Anas Almi ◽  
Jamilah Hanum Abdul Khaiyom
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Health Centre ◽  
Mental Health Systems ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Facilitating Factors

Purpose This paper aims to review the literature of community-based mental health services (CMHS) optimization in Malaysia that focus on the aspects of perceived challenges or barriers and facilitating factors for community-based mental health centre (CMHC). Design/methodology/approach Relevant peer-reviewed literature was identified and being reviewed in three databases and one local journal. Findings Nine studies were eligible for inclusion and the extracted data were summarized into a narrative review. The evidence provided for what constituting an optimal implementation of CMHS in Malaysia appeared lacking. However, there are adequate recommendations and suggestions on the component of facilitating factors; on how to increase service user’s engagement towards the improvement of mental health systems. Research limitations/implications Research in the literature had focussed on the optimization aspects from the perspective of the service user. Additionally, this had been discussed through the lens of a variety of mental health systems and not specifically on the community-based perspectives. Originality/value This current systematic review provides valuable and important evidence that further explorations of the existing experiences of the mental health care professionals in delivering CMHS in Malaysia CMHC. The review serves as the foundation for future research to explain the local explanatory framework on what are the best practise models for local CMHS.

Psychiatric Networks: They Make Sense, But do They Work?

1993 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 319-323 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nick Kates ◽  
Barrie Humphrey
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Network Analysis ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
To Come

With a trend toward coordinated networks of mental health services, it is necessary to be able to assess their impact. This paper outlines an approach to network analysis, using a variety of methodologies to come up with a composite picture. Areas to examine include the network processes, such as its goals, functions, structures, outcomes, and the satisfaction of all involved.

scholarly journals The balance of adult mental health care: provision of core health versus other types of care in eight European countries

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Cetrano ◽  
L. Salvador-Carulla ◽  
F. Tedeschi ◽  
L. Rabbi ◽  
M. R. Gutiérrez-Colosía ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Mental Health Systems ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Services

Abstract Aims Although many mental health care systems provide care interventions that are not related to direct health care, little is known about the interfaces between the latter and core health care. ‘Core health care’ refers to services whose explicit aim is direct clinical treatment which is usually provided by health professionals, i.e., physicians, nurses, psychologists. ‘Other care’ is typically provided by other staff and includes accommodation, training, promotion of independence, employment support and social skills. In such a definition, ‘other care’ does not necessarily mean being funded or governed differently. The aims of the study were: (1) using a standard classification system (Description and Evaluation of Services and Directories in Europe for Long Term Care, DESDE-LTC) to identify ‘core health’ and ‘other care’ services provided to adults with mental health problems; and (2) to investigate the balance of care by analysing the types and characteristics of core health and other care services. Methods The study was conducted in eight selected local areas in eight European countries with different mental health systems. All publicly funded mental health services, regardless of the funding agency, for people over 18 years old were identified and coded. The availability, capacity and the workforce of the local mental health services were described using their functional main activity or ‘Main Types of Care’ (MTC) as the standard for international comparison, following the DESDE-LTC system. Results In these European study areas, 822 MTCs were identified as providing core health care and 448 provided other types of care. Even though one-third of mental health services in the selected study areas provided interventions that were coded as ‘other care’, significant variation was found in the typology and characteristics of these services across the eight study areas. Conclusions The functional distinction between core health and other care overcomes the traditional division between ‘health’ and ‘social’ sectors based on governance and funding. The overall balance between core health and other care services varied significantly across the European sites. Mental health systems cannot be understood or planned without taking into account the availability and capacity of all services specifically available for this target population, including those outside the health sector.

scholarly journals European comparisons between mental health services

2011 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Wahlbeck
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Mental Health Care ◽  
Health Systems ◽  
Health Data ◽  
World Health ◽  
Mental Health Systems

When developing accessible, affordable and effective mental health systems, exchange of data between countries is an important moving force towards better mental health care. Unfortunately, health information systems in most countries are weak in the field of mental health, and comparability of data is low.Special international data collection exercises, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) Atlas Project and the WHO Baseline Project have provided valuable insights in the state of mental health systems in countries, but such single-standing data collections are not sustainable solutions. Improvements in routine data collection are urgently needed. The European Commission has initiated major improvements to ensure harmonized and comprehensive health data collection, by introducing the European Community Health Indicators set and the European Health Interview Survey. However, both of these initiatives lack strength in the field of mental health. The neglect of the need for relevant and valid comparable data on mental health systems is in conflict with the importance of mental health for European countries and the objectives of the ‘Europe 2020’ strategy.The need for valid and comparable mental health services data is today addressed only by single initiatives, such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development work to establish quality indicators for mental health care. Real leadership in developing harmonized mental health data across Europe is lacking. A European Mental Health Observatory is urgently needed to lead development and implementation of monitoring of mental health and mental health service provision in Europe.

scholarly journals System-level barriers to personal recovery in mental health: qualitative analysis of co-productive narrative dialogues between users and professionals

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Miharu Nakanishi ◽  
George Kurokawa ◽  
Junko Niimura ◽  
Atsushi Nishida ◽  
Geoff Shepherd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Cultural Context ◽  
System Level ◽  
Personal Recovery ◽  
Mental Health Systems ◽  
Positive Interaction ◽  
Facilitators And Barriers

Background No co-productive narrative synthesis of system-level facilitators and barriers to personal recovery in mental illness has been undertaken. Aims To clarify system-level facilitators and barriers to personal recovery of people with mental illness. Method Qualitative study guided by thematic analysis. Data were collected through one focus group, which involved seven service users and three professionals. This group had 11 meetings, each lasting 2 h at a local research institute, between July 2016 to January 2018. Results The analysis yielded three themes: barriers inhibiting positive interaction within personal relationship networks, roots of barriers from mental health systems and the social cultural context, and possible solutions to address the roots. Barriers were acknowledged as those related to sense of safety, locus of control within oneself and reunion with self. The roots of barriers were recognised within mental health services, including system without trauma sensitivity, lack of advocacy support and limited access to psychosocial approaches. Roots from social cultural context were also found. There were no narratives relating to facilitators. A possible solution was to address the roots from systems. Social cultural change was called for that makes personalised goals most valued, with an inclusive design that overcomes stigma, to achieve an open and accepting community. Conclusions The analysis yielded system-level barriers specific to each recovery process. Roots of barriers that need transformation to facilitate personal recovery were identified within mental health services. Social interventions should be further explored to translate the suggested social cultural changes into action.

scholarly journals Perspectives of Health Service Providers on Barriers to Accessing Perinatal Mental Health Services in Karnataka, India: a Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Debarati Mukherjee ◽  
Nolita Dolcy ◽  
Daisy A John ◽  
Maithili Karthik ◽  
Swapnil A Gadhave ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Perinatal Mental Health ◽  
Frontline Workers ◽  
Individual Level ◽  
Health Service Providers

Abstract Background: Poor maternal mental health is a major public health concern since it adversely impacts both maternal and child health outcomes. This study aimed to document the barriers to utilizing perinatal mental health services in Karnataka, India, and to determine its relationship with risk factors of poor maternal mental health in this context. Methods: Qualitative research methods using in-depth interviews were conducted on twenty-one local stakeholders who represented health service providers in various capacities: mental health specialists (n = 4), gynaecologists (n = 2), government officials from the Department of Health and Family Welfare (n = 2), and Department of Women and Child Development (n = 2), senior state consultant to United Nations Children’s Fund (n = 1), and frontline workers (n = 10). Data were analysed using a thematic framework analysis approach. Results: We identified multiple barriers to service utilization operating at the levels of the health system, community, family, and the individual. Health-system level barriers included lack of a universal screening mechanism, poor infrastructure, poor training of frontline workers on mental health issues, and inadequate time for counselling and treatment. Community-level barriers included stigma and misconceptions, leading to a lack of social support. Family and individual level barriers included the financial burden of availing services, lack of family and partner support, and lack of empowerment and motivation in the woman to seek services. Family and individual level barriers interacted with risk factors of poor maternal mental health. Based on this evidence and drawing from the literature, we propose a contextualised, stepped-care model for universal screening, detection, referral, and treatment of women with perinatal mental health conditions for Karnataka that is integrated with the reproductive, maternal, and child health (RMNCH) program in primary care settings. Conclusions: The framework developed in this study suggests that addressing the identified barriers would potentially increase uptake of available services, create awareness about and demand for high-quality mental health services, reduce the risk factors of poor maternal mental health, and eventually improve our understanding of its true burden in the state of Karnataka. This is essential for proper implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of programs relevant to perinatal mental health.

scholarly journals Situational Analysis of Mental Health System in The West Region of Cameroon Using The World Health Organization’s Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems (WHO-AIMS)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toguem guy michael ◽  
Manassi KUMAR ◽  
David NDETEI ◽  
Francois Erero NJENGOUE ◽  
Frederick OWITI
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Assessment Instrument ◽  
World Health ◽  
Mental Health Systems ◽  
The West ◽  
West Region ◽  
The World ◽  
Mental Health Facilities

Abstract Background The burden of mental illnesses is increasing in Cameroon and there is no available published work on the mechanisms put in place to address this issue. The government recognizes this burden and tries to feel the gap. In line to this, this study aimed at describing the mental health services available in West Cameroon to provide an evidence based support to this process. Method We used the world health organization assessment instrument for mental health systems (WHO-AIMS) version 2.2 to collect, analyze, and report, data on mental health services offered in 2020 in the west region of Cameroon. We extracted our data from the registers of the different mental health facilities of the region and we interviewed staffs in these facilities and at the ministry of public health. Results The region is divided into 20 health districts, of which 06 offered mental health services. As a whole, Cameroon had a mental health policy, mental health plan, but no mental health legislation and emergency plan. There was no specific budget for mental health in the country. In the west region of Cameroon, there was no psychiatrist. Mental health services were offered by nurses, psychologists, general practitioner and neurologists; representing 1.87 human resources in mental health facilities per 100,000 population, of which 1.4 were nurses. 1 in 1.4 of these nurses worked in the main city. There was no formal link of mental health services with other sectors and no publication in the previous 5 years about mental health in the region referenced on PubMed. Conclusion In 2020, access too mental health services in the west region of Cameroon was unequitable, and was not supported by scientific evidence.

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