PRIME Policy Brief 7. Setting priorities for mental health care in Nepal: a formative study
Abstract
There is an urgent need to address the massive treatment gap for mental health problems, especially in low income settings such as Nepal. Packages of care integrated in routine primary health care are suggested as a strategy to scale-up mental health care, yet more needs to be known about the most feasible and effective way to achieve this.
The aim of the current study is to investigate the challenges and opportunities for the development and fine-tuning of a comprehensive mental health care plan in post-conflict Nepal. The study follows a combined methods design that includes a priority setting study, running workshops to develop a Theory of Change and conducting a qualitative exercise.
The study showed that there is strong endorsement for a system of care that encompasses both the perspectives of health facilities and communities. 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.
Citation
Jordans, M.J.D.; Luitel, N.P.; Tomlinson, M.; Komproe, I.H. PRIME Policy Brief 7. Setting priorities for mental health care in Nepal: a formative study. PRIME, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa (2014) 4 pp.
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