Informing mental health policies and services in the EMR:cost-effective deployment of human resources to deliver integrated community-based care

ABSTRACT

For EMR countries to deliver the expectations of the Global Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 and the ongoing move towards universal health coverage, all health and social care providers need to innovate and transform their services to provide evidence-based health care that is accessible, cost-effective and with the best patient outcomes. For the primary and community workforce, this includes general medical practitioners, practice and community nurses, community social workers, housing officers, lay health workers, nongovernmental organizations and civil society, including community spiritual leaders/healers. This paper brings together the current best evidence to support transformation and discusses key approaches to achieve this, including skill mix and/or task shifting and integrated care. The important factors that need to be in place to support skill mix/task shifting and good integrated care are outlined with reference to EMR countries