Monitoring System of Mental Health Centers

Problem

Mens sana in corpore sano – a healthy soul in a healthy body. Recent research suggests that the relationship goes both ways – a healthy body in a healthy soul. Indeed, positivity and optimism are linked to better health outcomes. However, daily stress, tension and negative emotions not only affect health and well-being, but also can be a cause of more serious mental issues.

Primary level Mental Health Centers is an integral part of Lithuanian mental health care system. These centers alongside with general practitioners is the first point of contact for people with mental health disorders, including depression and schizophrenia. Each of the 114 centers provides services in a team setting where psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers collaborate. The services are available for citizens of all age groups, covered with national health insurance.

At the first glance, the situation appears to be excellent. However, high prevalence of mental health problems persists in Lithuania and the rate of suicides and addiction is one the highest in Europe. This apparent incongruence raises questions about the effectiveness of our mental health system. Is it working optimally? Where are we supposed to invest? Which interventions are effective and which are not? What changes should be made? To answer these questions, understand the status quo, and design new policies we simply need more information.

Accordingly, Aneta and Barbora will lead the design of a monitoring system for the Mental Health Centers, while working at the Ministry of Health. In the first phase, they will analyze the current situation and the best foreign practices. Then, in collaboration with local experts, politicians and service providers a set of basic indicators will be designed and tested. Finally, they will be integrated into the monitoring system. The newly established system will aim not only to gather useful information about Mental Health Centers, but also to provide analysis and reports to inform new policies and financial decisions.

Goal

To create the monitoring system for Mental Health Centers.

Result

„Kurk Lietuvai“ projekto metu sukurtas Psichikos sveikatos centruose teikiamų paslaugų kokybės stebėsenos modelis – tai pirmas žingsnis diegti stebėsenos sistemą, skirtą gerinti pirminio lygio psichikos sveikatos priežiūrą Lietuvoje. Modelis apibūdina PSC paslaugų teikimo stebėsenos organizavimą ir vykdymą valstybės lygiu. Modelis įtraukia rekomenduojamų domenų bei rodiklių sąrašą, laukiamą naudą ir rekomendacijas. https://youtu.be/T6-lXXxOyhk

Participants

2017/18

Aneta Buraitytė

2017/18

Barbora Butkutė