Developing a mental health care plan in a low resource setting: the theory of change approach
This study used the theory of change approach to develop a mental health care plan in a rural district in Ethiopia
Abstract
Scaling up mental healthcare through integration into primary care remains the main strategy to address the extensive unmet mental health need in low-income countries. For integrated care to achieve its goal, a clear understanding of the organisational processes that can promote and hinder the integration and delivery of mental health care is essential. Theory of Change (ToC), a method employed in the planning, implementation and evaluation of complex community initiatives, is an innovative approach that has the potential to assist in the development of a comprehensive mental health care plan (MHCP), which can inform the delivery of integrated care. This study used the ToC approach to develop a MHCP in a rural district in Ethiopia.
The work was part of a cross-country study, the Programme for Improving Mental Health Care (PRIME) which focuses on developing evidence on the integration of mental health in to primary care.
Citation
Hailemariam, M.; Fekadu, A.; Selamu, M.; Alem, A.; Medhin, G.; Giorgis, T.W.; de Silva, M.; Breuer, E. Developing a mental health care plan in a low resource setting: the theory of change approach. BMC Health Services Research (2015) 15 (1) [DOI: 10.1186/s12913-015-1097-4]
Links
Developing a mental health care plan in a low resource setting: the theory of change approach