Quality of Care and Cost-Containment in Managed Mental Health: Policy, Education, Research, Advocacy

1996 ◽  
Vol 79 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1395-1422 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard H. Dana ◽  
Michael G. Conner ◽  
James Allen
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Quality Of Care ◽  
Cost Containment ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Care Cost ◽  
Clinical Skills ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Health Problems

Managed mental health care cost-containment practices of risk-benefit analysis, provider usage, manipulation of supply and demand, gate keeping, medical necessity, and formulation have adversely affected quality of care. Improved mental health services are dependent upon redefining mental health problems and understanding inequities created by medicalization as means to limit access to services. This dilemma can be addressed by development of mental health policy, public education, and political advocacy. An immediate role for professional psychology is found in the creation of a research agenda that documents empirically supported interventions for specific mental health problems, mechanisms of effective and acceptable service-delivery, and identification of providers with demonstrated clinical skills, including cultural competencies.

scholarly journals Factors That Influences Mental Health Policy In Albania

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (14) ◽  
pp. 175
Author(s):  
Eneida Frasheri ◽  
Eris Dhamo
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Policy Framework ◽  
Mental Health Issue ◽  
Semistructured Interview ◽  
Wide Range

Mental health policy is a major challenge in every government engagement. Human wellbeing is threatened by mental health issue, and this is why it is necessary to position mental health as a health priority (WHO, 2001). The reduction of human and economic cost of mental health problems can be achieved by providing equitable and evidence-based mental healthcare and treatment. In Albania, the organization of mental health policy has experienced changes in the past half century, especially after the 90’s. This was driven by political commitment at national and intergovernmental levels in response to the challenges posed by mental health problems. The purpose of this paper is to analyze, present factors, and circulates what affects and prepossess the adoption of new mental health policy. The methodology used for this paper was based on two main elements. The first was the analyzing of Albanian conceptual framework, which is derived from two grounded elements: policy content and health policy process. The second element involves data collection using semistructured interview (12) with three levels of policy: policymakers, health policy administrator, and mental health care provider. Also, we consulted a wide range of electronic databases before underpinning the research with additional search. This search includes the scanning of a range of websites, reference lists of included studies, the legal mental health framework, and the respective documents. The activities stipulated in the First Component of the South-Eastern European Mental Health Project under the Stability Pact urged the process of a new mental health policy formulation and adoption of mental health legislation stressing human rights of patients. The WHO has influenced the whole mental health policy framework. They have instructed the National Policy Document for the Mental Health and the recpective action plans. In addition, they have supervised the impemention of this Documents and has trained mental health experts at all levels. Albanian policymaker are concerned with having an adequate map of mental health facilities. This is because many of the dedicated program are far way to be reached from persons in need. All policymaker actors are focused on the need for identification. In this trend of increase in the number of persons with mental health problems and their need for a more holistic care, finances has a crucial role to play.

Mental health policy and housing: Why housing is vital in the management of mental health

1998 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-11
Author(s):  
Madeline Drake
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Government Policy ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Supported Housing

Homelessness makes mental health problems worse, but inappropriate housing can be damaging, too. We need to be flexible and supportive in our provision, offering options for both independent and supported housing, and easy transfer between them. Government policy on housing should recognise the importance of individual need, as well as the overall picture.

scholarly journals Service user and family participation in mental health policy making in Timor-Leste: a qualitative study with multiple stakeholders

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa Hall ◽  
Ritsuko Kakuma ◽  
Lisa Palmer ◽  
Harry Minas ◽  
João Martins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Service User ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Family Participation ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Timor Leste

Abstract Introduction Participation in mental health system strengthening by people with mental health problems and their families is a cornerstone of people-centred mental health care, yet there is a dearth of research about participation from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly from the Asia Pacific region. Hence, this study aimed to assess the current situation, challenges, enabling factors and future actions for service user and family participation in mental health policy making in Timor-Leste. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with 85 adults (≥18 years) who were: (1) mental health service users (n = 20) and their families (n = 10); (2) government decision makers (n = 10); (3) mental health and social service providers (n = 23); (4) civil society (n = 9); and (5) other groups (n = 13). Interview data was analysed using framework analysis. Results There was limited service user, family and community participation in mental health policy making in Timor-Leste. Perceptions that policy making is a technical exercise and that people with mental health problems lack cognitive capacity, and a lack of supportive mechanisms challenged participation. Enabling factors were a strong focus on human rights within the social sector, and existing mechanisms for advocacy and representation of people with disabilities in social policy making. Participants suggested bolstering civil society representation of people with mental health problems, and increasing mental health awareness and literacy, including government competencies to facilitate service user participation. Conclusion The findings highlight the need for theoretical and practical focus on the role of family within mental health system development in LMICs. Global mental health research and practice should adopt a critical approach to mental health service user and family participation to ensure that the concept and strategies to achieve this are embedded in LMIC knowledge.

scholarly journals Service user and family participation in mental health policy making in Timor-Leste: a qualitative study with multiple stakeholders

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa Hall ◽  
Ritsuko Kakuma ◽  
Lisa Palmer ◽  
Harry Minas ◽  
João Martins ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Service User ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Family Participation ◽  
Enabling Factors ◽  
Timor Leste

Abstract Introduction Participation in mental health system strengthening by people with mental health problems and their families is a cornerstone of people-centred mental health care, yet there is a dearth of research about participation from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly from the Asia Pacific region. Hence, this study aimed to assess the current situation, challenges, enabling factors and future actions for service user and family participation in mental health policy making in Timor-Leste. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with 85 adults (≥18 years) who were: (1) mental health service users (n = 20) and their families (n = 10); (2) government decision makers (n = 10); (3) mental health and social service providers (n = 23); (4) civil society (n = 9); and (5) other groups (n = 13). Interview data was analysed using framework analysis. Results There was limited service user, family and community participation in mental health policy making in Timor-Leste. Perceptions that policy making is a technical exercise and that people with mental health problems lack cognitive capacity, and a lack of supportive mechanisms challenged participation. Enabling factors were a strong focus on human rights within the social sector, and existing mechanisms for advocacy and representation of people with disabilities in social policy making. Participants suggested bolstering civil society representation of people with mental health problems, and increasing mental health awareness and literacy, including government competencies to facilitate service user participation. Conclusion The findings highlight the need for theoretical and practical focus on the role of family within mental health system development in LMICs. Global mental health research and practice should adopt a critical approach to mental health service user and family participation to ensure that the concept and strategies to achieve this are embedded in LMIC knowledge.

scholarly journals Poverty and mental health: policy, practice and research implications

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (5) ◽  
pp. 193-196
Author(s):  
Lee Knifton ◽  
Greig Inglis
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Health Inequalities ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Policy Practice ◽  
Concentrated Poverty ◽  
The Relationship

SummaryThis article examines the relationship between poverty and mental health problems. We draw on the experience of Glasgow, our home city, which contains some of Western Europe's areas of greatest concentrated poverty and poorest health outcomes. We highlight how mental health problems are related directly to poverty, which in turn underlies wider health inequalities. We then outline implications for psychiatry.

Non-governmental organizations as key partners in mental health in Europe

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (01) ◽  
pp. 27-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. E. Baumann
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Policy Development ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Action Plan ◽  
Mental Health Policy ◽  
Governmental Organizations ◽  
Non Governmental Organizations ◽  
Health Action ◽  
Health Action Plan

SummaryThe shift towards a rights-based approach to health which has taken place over the past decade has strengthened the role of civil society and their organizations in raising and claiming the entitlements of different social groups. It has become obvious that non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are central to any successful multi-stakeholder partnership, and they have become more recognized as key actors in health policy and programme development and implementation. There is a broad spectrum of NGOs active in the area of mental health in Europe which aim to empower people with mental health problems and their families, give them a voice in health policy development and implementation and in service design and delivery, to raise awareness and fight stigma and discrimination, and foster implementation of obligations set by internationally agreed mental health policy documents. With the endorsement of the Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 (20) and the European Mental Health Action Plan (19) stakeholders agree to strengthen capacity of service user and family advocacy groups and to secure their participation as partners in activities for mental health promotion, disorder prevention and improving mental health services.

Psychotherapeutic components of commercially available virtual reality games (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Almira Osmanovic Thunström ◽  
Iris Sarajlic Vuković ◽  
Lilas Ali ◽  
Tomas Larson ◽  
Steinn Steingrimsson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Virtual Reality ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Treatment Method ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
E Learning ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Unique Games

BACKGROUND Immersive virtual reality (VR) games are increasingly becoming part of everyday life. Several studies support immersive VR technology as a treatment method for mental health problems. There is however minimal research into the feasibility, prevalence, and quality of commercially available VR games on commercial platforms as tools for treatment or add on to treatment of mental health problems. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence, feasibility and quality of commercially available games related to psychotherapy on a commercially available platform. METHODS We performed a search for keywords related to diagnosis and treatment strategies of mental health problems. The search was performed during March 27th on STEAM (VR content and gaming platform). A usability scale was used as a tool to look at the interaction and usability of the games, the VR-UI-UX-8. The tool contains 8 statements about usability scored 0-10, 0 indicating “Not at all” and 10 indicating “very much so”. The score ranges from 0-80 with a higher score indicating worse usability. RESULTS In total, 516 hits were found, 371 unique games. After the games were reviewed, 83 games passed the inclusion criteria, were purchased and played. Majority of the games which were excluded were either not connected to mental health, contained violence, adult content or were in other ways irrelevant or inappropriate. The mean score for the games on the VR-UI-UX-8 was 16.5 (standard deviation 15.8) with a range from 0-68. Most relevant and feasible games were found in the search words meditation, mindfulness, and LSD. CONCLUSIONS Commercial platforms hold great potential for VR games with psychotherapeutic components. The platforms are only at the beginning of the development towards serious games, e-learning and psychotherapeutic treatments. Currently the quality and usability for clinical and at home applicability are scarce, but hold great potential.

scholarly journals Quality of Life in Persons with Intellectual Disabilities and Mental Health Problems: An Explorative Study

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Filip Morisse ◽  
Eleonore Vandemaele ◽  
Claudia Claes ◽  
Lien Claes ◽  
Stijn Vandevelde
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Support Strategies ◽  
Professional Network ◽  
Universal Properties

The field of intellectual disability (ID) is strongly influenced by the Quality of Life paradigm (QOL). We aimed at investigating whether or not the QOL paradigm also applies to clients with ID and cooccurring mental health problems. This paper aims at stimulating a debate on this topic, by investigating whether or not QOL domains are universal. Focus groups with natural and professional network members were organized to gather qualitative data, in order to answer two questions: (1) Are the QOL dimensions conceptualized in the model of Schalock et al. applicable for persons with ID and mental health problems? (2) What are indicators relating to the above-mentioned dimensions in relation to persons with ID and mental health problems? The results offer some proof for the assumption that the QOL construct seems to have universal properties. With regard to the second question, the study revealed that the natural and professional network members are challenged to look for the most appropriate support strategies, taking specific indicators of QOL into account. When aspects of empowerment and regulation are used in an integrated manner, the application of the QOL paradigm could lead to positive outcomes concerning self-determination, interdependence, social inclusion, and emotional development.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document