Community, facility and individual level impact of integrating mental health screening and treatment into the primary healthcare system in Sehore district, Madhya Pradesh, India

What is it about?

The key knowledge gap in Global Mental Health is how to integrate the evidence-based interventions (e.g. WHO mhGAP guidelines) in primary care in low resource settings. PRogramme for Improving Mental health carE (PRIME) designed a comprehensive district level Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) to address this knowledge gap. PRIME MHCP did not have any impact on contact coverage for depression and AUD at the community level and a small impact on detection and initiation of treatment for depression and AUD in the health facilities. At the individual patient level, there was moderate impact of MHCP interventions. Establishing a collaborative model of care remains a very challenging task, especially in resource poor settings. However, facilitation by an implementation support team can play an important role in strengthening mental health services. Psychosocial therapies cannot be effectively delivered without engaging existing or new community based resources.

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