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Alan J. Flisher - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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An assessment of Mental Health Policy in Ghana, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia.
Health research policy and systems, 2011Co-Authors: E. Faydi, Michelle Funk, Sharon Kleintjes, Jason Mwanza, Angela Ofori-atta, Joshua Ssbunnya, Caroline Kim, Alan J. FlisherAbstract:Background: Approximately half of the countries in the African Region had a Mental Health Policy by 2005, but little is known about quality of Mental Health policies in Africa and globally. This paper reports the results of an assessment of the Mental Health policies of Ghana, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia. Methods: The WHO Mental Health Policy Checklist was used to evaluate the most current Mental Health Policy in each country. Assessments were completed and reviewed by a specially constituted national committee as well as an independent WHO team. Results of each country evaluation were discussed until consensus was reached. Results: All four policies received a high level mandate. Each Policy addressed community-based services, the integration of Mental Health into general Health care, promotion of Mental Health and rehabilitation. Prevention was addressed in the South African and Ugandan policies only. Use of evidence for Policy development varied considerably. Consultations were mainly held with the Mental Health sector. Only the Zambian Policy presented a clear vision, while three of four countries spelt out values and principles, the need to establish a coordinating body for Mental Health, and to protect the human rights of people with Mental Health problems. None included all the basic elements of a Policy, nor specified sources and levels of funding for implementation. Deinstitutionalisation and the provision of essential psychotropic medicines were insufficiently addressed. Advocacy, empowerment of users and families and intersectoral collaboration were inadequately addressed. Only Uganda sufficiently outlined a Mental Health information system, research and evaluation, while only Ghana comprehensively addressed human resources and training requirements. No country had an accompanying strategic Mental Health plan to allow the development and implementation of concrete strategies and activities. Conclusions: Six gaps which could impact on the policies’ effect on countries’ Mental Health systems were: lack of internal consistency of structure and content of policies, superficiality of key international concepts, lack of evidence on which to base Policy directions, inadequate political support, poor integration of Mental Health policies within the overall national Policy and legislative framework, and lack of financial specificity. Three strategies to address these concerns emerged, namely strengthening capacity of key stakeholders in public (Mental) Health and Policy development, creation of a culture of inclusive and dynamic Policy development, and coordinated action to optimize use of available resources.
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Mental Health Policy process a comparative study of ghana south africa uganda and zambia
International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 2010Co-Authors: M Omar, Alan J. Flisher, Crick Lund, Fred Kigozi, Andrew Green, P Bird, Tolib Mirzoev, Jason Mwanza, Angela OforiattaAbstract:Background Mental illnesses are increasingly recognised as a leading cause of disability worldwide, yet many countries lack a Mental Health Policy or have an outdated, inappropriate Policy. This paper explores the development of appropriate Mental Health policies and their effective implementation. It reports comparative findings on the processes for developing and implementing Mental Health policies in Ghana, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia as part of the Mental Health and Poverty Project.
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From Mental Health Policy development in Ghana to implementation: What are the barriers?
African journal of psychiatry, 2010Co-Authors: A.d. Awenva, Ursula M. Read, A.l. Ofori-attah, Victor Doku, Bright Akpalu, A. Osei, Alan J. FlisherAbstract:Objective: This paper identifies the key barriers to Mental Health Policy implementation in Ghana and suggests ways of overcoming them. Method: The study used both quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitatively, the WHO Mental Health Policy and Plan Checklist and the WHO Mental Health Legislation Checklist were employed to analyse the content of Mental Health Policy, plans and legislation in Ghana. Qualitative data was gathered using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with key stakeholders in Mental Health at the macro, meso and micro levels. These were used to identify barriers to the implementation of Mental Health Policy, and steps to overcoming these. Results: Barriers to Mental Health Policy implementation identified by participants include: low priority and lack of political commitment to Mental Health; limited human and financial resources; lack of intersectoral collaboration and consultation; inadequate Policy dissemination; and an absence of research-based evidence to inform Mental Health Policy. Suggested steps to overcoming the barriers include: revision of Mental Health Policy and legislation; training and capacity development and wider consultation. Conclusion: These results call for well-articulated plans to address the barriers to the implementation of Mental Health Policy in Ghana to reduce the burden associated with Mental disorders.
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Mental Health Policy in south africa development process and content
Health Policy and Planning, 2009Co-Authors: Catherine E Draper, Alan J. Flisher, Michelle Funk, Crick Lund, Sharon Kleintjes, M OmarAbstract:guidelines should be considered national Policy. At national level the guidelines are not recognized as Policy, and a new Policy is currently being developed. Although the guidelines were developed through wide consultation and had approval through national Policy development processes, difficulties were encountered with dissemination and implementation at provincial level. The principles of these Policy guidelines conform to international recommendations for Mental Health care and services but lack clear objectives. Discussion The process of Mental Health Policy implementation has been hindered by the low priority given to Mental Health, varying levels of seniority of provincial Mental Health coordinators, limited staff for Policy and planning, varying technical capacity at provincial and national levels, and reluctance by some provincial authorities to accept responsibility for driving implementation. Conclusion These findings highlight the importance of national leadership in the development of new Mental Health Policy, communication between national and provincial levels, the need for provincial structures to take responsibility for implementation, and capacity building to enable Policy makers and planners to develop, monitor and implement Policy.
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Mental Health Policy development and implementation in four african countries
Journal of Health Psychology, 2007Co-Authors: Alan J. Flisher, Martin Knapp, Michelle Funk, Natalie Drew, Crick Lund, Fred Kigozi, Mwanza Banda, Arvin Bhana, V Doku, Mayeh OmarAbstract:The purpose of the research programme introduced in this article is to provide new knowledge regarding comprehensive multisectoral approaches to breaking the negative cycle of poverty and Mental ill-Health. The programme undertakes an analysis of existing Mental Health policies in four African countries (Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia), and will carry out and evaluate interventions to assist in the development and implementation of Mental Health policies in those countries, over a five-year period. The four countries in which the programme is being conducted represent a variety of scenarios in Mental Health Policy development and implementation.
Michelle Funk - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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An assessment of Mental Health Policy in Ghana, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia.
Health research policy and systems, 2011Co-Authors: E. Faydi, Michelle Funk, Sharon Kleintjes, Jason Mwanza, Angela Ofori-atta, Joshua Ssbunnya, Caroline Kim, Alan J. FlisherAbstract:Background: Approximately half of the countries in the African Region had a Mental Health Policy by 2005, but little is known about quality of Mental Health policies in Africa and globally. This paper reports the results of an assessment of the Mental Health policies of Ghana, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia. Methods: The WHO Mental Health Policy Checklist was used to evaluate the most current Mental Health Policy in each country. Assessments were completed and reviewed by a specially constituted national committee as well as an independent WHO team. Results of each country evaluation were discussed until consensus was reached. Results: All four policies received a high level mandate. Each Policy addressed community-based services, the integration of Mental Health into general Health care, promotion of Mental Health and rehabilitation. Prevention was addressed in the South African and Ugandan policies only. Use of evidence for Policy development varied considerably. Consultations were mainly held with the Mental Health sector. Only the Zambian Policy presented a clear vision, while three of four countries spelt out values and principles, the need to establish a coordinating body for Mental Health, and to protect the human rights of people with Mental Health problems. None included all the basic elements of a Policy, nor specified sources and levels of funding for implementation. Deinstitutionalisation and the provision of essential psychotropic medicines were insufficiently addressed. Advocacy, empowerment of users and families and intersectoral collaboration were inadequately addressed. Only Uganda sufficiently outlined a Mental Health information system, research and evaluation, while only Ghana comprehensively addressed human resources and training requirements. No country had an accompanying strategic Mental Health plan to allow the development and implementation of concrete strategies and activities. Conclusions: Six gaps which could impact on the policies’ effect on countries’ Mental Health systems were: lack of internal consistency of structure and content of policies, superficiality of key international concepts, lack of evidence on which to base Policy directions, inadequate political support, poor integration of Mental Health policies within the overall national Policy and legislative framework, and lack of financial specificity. Three strategies to address these concerns emerged, namely strengthening capacity of key stakeholders in public (Mental) Health and Policy development, creation of a culture of inclusive and dynamic Policy development, and coordinated action to optimize use of available resources.
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Framework and methodology for evaluating Mental Health Policy and plans
The International journal of health planning and management, 2010Co-Authors: Michelle Funk, Melvyn FreemanAbstract:The importance of monitoring and evaluation for Mental Health service planning and delivery is indubitable. Notwithstanding, monitoring and evaluation of Mental Health Policy and plans has received only limited attention. This paper presents an approach developed by the World Health Organization for monitoring Mental Health Policy and plans that can be adapted and utilized for evaluation and monitoring of Policy and plans in most other Health spheres as well. Four critical areas are outlined i.e., evaluation of the Policy document and the plan derived from it; monitoring the implementation of the strategic plan; evaluation of the implementation of the plan; and evaluation of whether the objectives of the Policy have been achieved. Overcoming difficulties in objective assessment of Policy documents and plans is discussed and two WHO checklists for evaluating the process, content and operational aspects of policies and plans are introduced together with a five step guidance process for conducting Policy and plan evaluations.
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Mental Health Policy in south africa development process and content
Health Policy and Planning, 2009Co-Authors: Catherine E Draper, Alan J. Flisher, Michelle Funk, Crick Lund, Sharon Kleintjes, M OmarAbstract:guidelines should be considered national Policy. At national level the guidelines are not recognized as Policy, and a new Policy is currently being developed. Although the guidelines were developed through wide consultation and had approval through national Policy development processes, difficulties were encountered with dissemination and implementation at provincial level. The principles of these Policy guidelines conform to international recommendations for Mental Health care and services but lack clear objectives. Discussion The process of Mental Health Policy implementation has been hindered by the low priority given to Mental Health, varying levels of seniority of provincial Mental Health coordinators, limited staff for Policy and planning, varying technical capacity at provincial and national levels, and reluctance by some provincial authorities to accept responsibility for driving implementation. Conclusion These findings highlight the importance of national leadership in the development of new Mental Health Policy, communication between national and provincial levels, the need for provincial structures to take responsibility for implementation, and capacity building to enable Policy makers and planners to develop, monitor and implement Policy.
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Mental Health Policy development and implementation in four african countries
Journal of Health Psychology, 2007Co-Authors: Alan J. Flisher, Martin Knapp, Michelle Funk, Natalie Drew, Crick Lund, Fred Kigozi, Mwanza Banda, Arvin Bhana, V Doku, Mayeh OmarAbstract:The purpose of the research programme introduced in this article is to provide new knowledge regarding comprehensive multisectoral approaches to breaking the negative cycle of poverty and Mental ill-Health. The programme undertakes an analysis of existing Mental Health policies in four African countries (Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia), and will carry out and evaluate interventions to assist in the development and implementation of Mental Health policies in those countries, over a five-year period. The four countries in which the programme is being conducted represent a variety of scenarios in Mental Health Policy development and implementation.
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Mental Health Policy and Plans : Promoting an Optimal Mix of Services in Developing Countries
International Journal of Mental Health, 2004Co-Authors: Michelle Funk, Benedetto Saraceno, Natalie Drew, Crick Lund, Margaret GriggAbstract:The World Health Report 2001 makes a compelling case for addressing the Mental Health needs of populations around the world. The key messages of the report are that Mental disorders account for a significant burden of disease in all societies; effective interventions are available but are not accessible to the majority of the people who need them; and a comprehensive Mental Health Policy is an important tool in increasing the accessibility of effective services. When properly formulated and implemented, a Mental Health Policy can have a positive impact on the Mental Health of the population. Service organization forms one of the most important areas of a Mental Health Policy and plan. In order to deliver a high standard of Mental Health treatment and care it is necessary to adopt an integrated system of service delivery that comprehensively addresses the full range of psychosocial needs of people with Mental disorders. The World Health Organization Mental Health Policy and Service Development project comm...
Charles A. Kiesler - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Mental Health Policy and Mental Hospitalization
Current Directions in Psychological Science, 1993Co-Authors: Charles A. KieslerAbstract:Mental Health Policy is a rich field for study, and psychologists have much to offer it. Mental hospitaliza tion is the central, albeit uninten tional, feature of Mental Health pol icy. In this article, I present some recent analyses of national data bases regarding Mental hospitaliza tion and relate them to issues in Mental Health Policy. The most pervasive theme in U.S. Mental Health Policy is a strong ten dency not to see the whole array of problems at once.1 Discussions of Policy issues become very tilted as a function of what one emphasizes and what one leaves out. For the ed ucated public, Mental Health Policy suggests state Mental hospitals and private psychiatric hospitals, on the one hand, and issues of homeless ness and nursing homes, on the other. For psychologists, discussions of Mental Health Policy tend to re flect their concern with the effective
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U.S. Mental Health Policy. Doomed to fail.
The American psychologist, 1992Co-Authors: Charles A. KieslerAbstract:Changes in the de facto system of Mental Health care in the last decade reflect organizational and entrepreneurial responsiveness to changes in Health Policy, not Mental Health Policy. Various other actions described here reduced statutory or institutional leadership roles in Mental Health and increased the pace at which Mental Health Policy was becoming dependent on Health Policy. In turn, U.S. Health Policy in the 20th century has been inherently flawed. The short-term general hospital--the "doctors' workshop"--emphasizing acute care and surgery, has been the cornerstone of U.S. Health Policy throughout the 20th century. The mimicry of Health services by Mental Health leads to demonstrably more expensive and less effective Mental Health care and dooms Mental Health Policy to failure.
Crick Lund - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Mental Health Policy process a comparative study of ghana south africa uganda and zambia
International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 2010Co-Authors: M Omar, Alan J. Flisher, Crick Lund, Fred Kigozi, Andrew Green, P Bird, Tolib Mirzoev, Jason Mwanza, Angela OforiattaAbstract:Background Mental illnesses are increasingly recognised as a leading cause of disability worldwide, yet many countries lack a Mental Health Policy or have an outdated, inappropriate Policy. This paper explores the development of appropriate Mental Health policies and their effective implementation. It reports comparative findings on the processes for developing and implementing Mental Health policies in Ghana, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia as part of the Mental Health and Poverty Project.
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Mental Health Policy implementation in Ghana and in Zambia.
African journal of psychiatry, 2010Co-Authors: Crick LundAbstract:Many African countries do not have evidence-based policies for Mental Health. In the most recent WHO Atlas survey, approximately 50% of countries on the continent did not have a Mental Health Policy, and of those that did, many were outdated. However, even among those that do have policies, it is in the implementation of these policies that major challenges are encountered. Without implementation, policies remain meaningless documents that do little more than weigh down bookshelves in Ministry of Health offices. Effective implementation requires the achievement of certain clearly articulated targets and the appropriate allocation of resources, in accordance with the vision, values and principles of the Policy. The implementation of evidence-based Mental Health policies in Africa is crucial for the strengthening of Mental Health systems, and the delivery of appropriate, cost-effective care to people in need.
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Mental Health Policy in south africa development process and content
Health Policy and Planning, 2009Co-Authors: Catherine E Draper, Alan J. Flisher, Michelle Funk, Crick Lund, Sharon Kleintjes, M OmarAbstract:guidelines should be considered national Policy. At national level the guidelines are not recognized as Policy, and a new Policy is currently being developed. Although the guidelines were developed through wide consultation and had approval through national Policy development processes, difficulties were encountered with dissemination and implementation at provincial level. The principles of these Policy guidelines conform to international recommendations for Mental Health care and services but lack clear objectives. Discussion The process of Mental Health Policy implementation has been hindered by the low priority given to Mental Health, varying levels of seniority of provincial Mental Health coordinators, limited staff for Policy and planning, varying technical capacity at provincial and national levels, and reluctance by some provincial authorities to accept responsibility for driving implementation. Conclusion These findings highlight the importance of national leadership in the development of new Mental Health Policy, communication between national and provincial levels, the need for provincial structures to take responsibility for implementation, and capacity building to enable Policy makers and planners to develop, monitor and implement Policy.
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Mental Health Policy development and implementation in four african countries
Journal of Health Psychology, 2007Co-Authors: Alan J. Flisher, Martin Knapp, Michelle Funk, Natalie Drew, Crick Lund, Fred Kigozi, Mwanza Banda, Arvin Bhana, V Doku, Mayeh OmarAbstract:The purpose of the research programme introduced in this article is to provide new knowledge regarding comprehensive multisectoral approaches to breaking the negative cycle of poverty and Mental ill-Health. The programme undertakes an analysis of existing Mental Health policies in four African countries (Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia), and will carry out and evaluate interventions to assist in the development and implementation of Mental Health policies in those countries, over a five-year period. The four countries in which the programme is being conducted represent a variety of scenarios in Mental Health Policy development and implementation.
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Mental Health Policy and Plans : Promoting an Optimal Mix of Services in Developing Countries
International Journal of Mental Health, 2004Co-Authors: Michelle Funk, Benedetto Saraceno, Natalie Drew, Crick Lund, Margaret GriggAbstract:The World Health Report 2001 makes a compelling case for addressing the Mental Health needs of populations around the world. The key messages of the report are that Mental disorders account for a significant burden of disease in all societies; effective interventions are available but are not accessible to the majority of the people who need them; and a comprehensive Mental Health Policy is an important tool in increasing the accessibility of effective services. When properly formulated and implemented, a Mental Health Policy can have a positive impact on the Mental Health of the population. Service organization forms one of the most important areas of a Mental Health Policy and plan. In order to deliver a high standard of Mental Health treatment and care it is necessary to adopt an integrated system of service delivery that comprehensively addresses the full range of psychosocial needs of people with Mental disorders. The World Health Organization Mental Health Policy and Service Development project comm...
Fred Kigozi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Developing a national Mental Health Policy: a case study from Uganda.
PLoS medicine, 2012Co-Authors: Joshua Ssebunnya, Fred Kigozi, Sheila NdyanabangiAbstract:As one article in an ongoing series on Global Mental Health Practice, Joshua Ssebunnya and colleagues provide a case study from Uganda that describes their work developing a national Mental Health Policy.
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Mental Health Policy process a comparative study of ghana south africa uganda and zambia
International Journal of Mental Health Systems, 2010Co-Authors: M Omar, Alan J. Flisher, Crick Lund, Fred Kigozi, Andrew Green, P Bird, Tolib Mirzoev, Jason Mwanza, Angela OforiattaAbstract:Background Mental illnesses are increasingly recognised as a leading cause of disability worldwide, yet many countries lack a Mental Health Policy or have an outdated, inappropriate Policy. This paper explores the development of appropriate Mental Health policies and their effective implementation. It reports comparative findings on the processes for developing and implementing Mental Health policies in Ghana, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia as part of the Mental Health and Poverty Project.
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Mental Health Policy development and implementation in four african countries
Journal of Health Psychology, 2007Co-Authors: Alan J. Flisher, Martin Knapp, Michelle Funk, Natalie Drew, Crick Lund, Fred Kigozi, Mwanza Banda, Arvin Bhana, V Doku, Mayeh OmarAbstract:The purpose of the research programme introduced in this article is to provide new knowledge regarding comprehensive multisectoral approaches to breaking the negative cycle of poverty and Mental ill-Health. The programme undertakes an analysis of existing Mental Health policies in four African countries (Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia), and will carry out and evaluate interventions to assist in the development and implementation of Mental Health policies in those countries, over a five-year period. The four countries in which the programme is being conducted represent a variety of scenarios in Mental Health Policy development and implementation.