Setting priorities for mental health care in Nepal: a formative study
Abstract
Background
There is an urgent need to address the massive treatment gap for mental
health problems, especially in low income settings. Packages of care
integrated in routine primary health care are posited as a strategy to
scale-up mental health care, yet more needs to be known about the most
feasible and effective way to go about this.
Methods
The study follows a combined methods design that includes engaging an
expert panel in a priority setting exercise, running workshops to
develop a Theory of Change and conducting in-depth qualitative
interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders. The
results of each research step were taken forward to inform the
subsequent one.
Results
There was strong endorsement for a system of care that encompasses both
the perspectives of health facility and the community. Issues related to
increasing access and demand, guaranteeing a sustainable supply of
psychotropic medicine, adequate human resourcing, and ensuring positive
family involvement came up as priority areas of attention.
Conclusion
The study underlines many of the known barriers in developing mental
health services. At the same time it provides a distinct pathway and
concrete recommendations for overcoming these challenges in Nepal.
Citation
Jordans, M.J.D.; Luitel, N.P.; Tomlinson, M.; Komproe, I.H. Setting priorities for mental health care in Nepal: a formative study. BMC Psychiatry (2013) 13 (1) 332. [DOI: 10.1186/1471-244X-13-332]
Links
Setting priorities for mental health care in Nepal: a formative study