Abstract
BackgroundEvidence is needed for the integration of mental health into primary care advocated by the national health sector strategic investment plan in Uganda.AimsTo describe the processes of developing a district mental healthcare plan (MHCP) in rural Uganda that facilitates integration of mental health into primary care.MethodMixed methods using a situational analysis, qualitative studies, theory of change workshops and partial piloting of the plan at two levels informed the MHCP.ResultsA MHCP was developed with packages of care to facilitate integration at the organisational, facility and community levels of the district health system, including a specified human resource mix. The partial embedding period supports its practical application. Key barriers to scaling up the plan were identified.ConclusionsA real-world plan for the district was developed with involvement of stakeholders. Pilot testing demonstrated its feasibility and implications for future scaling up.
Highlights
Evidence is needed for the integration of mental health into primary care advocated by the national health sector strategic investment plan in Uganda
A mental healthcare plan (MHCP) was developed with packages of care to facilitate integration at the organisational, facility and community levels of the district health system, including a specified
Neuropsychiatric disorders are estimated to constitute about 14% of the global burden of disease, with approximately 80% of people with mental illness living in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) such as Uganda.[1,2]
Summary
Evidence is needed for the integration of mental health into primary care advocated by the national health sector strategic investment plan in Uganda. The partial embedding period supports its practical application. Key barriers to scaling up the plan were identified. Aims To describe the processes of developing a district mental healthcare plan (MHCP) in rural Uganda that facilitates integration of mental health into primary care. Method Mixed methods using a situational analysis, qualitative studies, theory of change workshops and partial piloting of the plan at two levels informed the MHCP
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call