Abstract
<p><strong>Background.</strong> Due to many complaints by health care workers and patients and a perceived poor standard of care, the mental health care services in the North West province were assessed using quantitative and qualitative methods. The Mental Health Care Act of 2002 makes provision for the integration of services into primary health care. Previously, dedicated mental health care co-ordinators were doing the bulk of the management of this category of patients.</p><p><strong> Methodology.</strong> The qualitative part of the study consisted of free attitude interviews with professional nurses at clinics and focus group interviews with patients, caregivers and mental health care coordinators. <strong></strong></p><p><strong>Results.</strong> There was general satisfaction with the current services. Some dissatisfaction was expressed regarding issues of individualised care versus integration into the general primary care services. Concerns were expressed about resource constraints – in terms of human and physical resources, communication, training, and the role of specialised care.</p><p><strong>Conclusion.</strong> This study highlights issues around integration of mental health care services into primary care, and has provided information for managers and clinicians to utilise in the improvement of mental health care.</p>
Highlights
Owing to many complaints by health care workers and patients and a perceived poor standard of care, the mental health care services in North West province were assessed using quantitative and qualitative methods
Based on a relatively small sample of participants, this research has highlighted important trends in the care of mentally ill people in North West province, which we believe can be generalised to other provinces
Despite general satisfaction being expressed by patients and even health care staff, there are crucial areas that need attention, such as how integration is managed in the context of limited resources, the role of specialised input and support, communication between different levels of care as well as between health workers and patients, and correct implementation of the Mental Health Care Act
Summary
The aim of the current research was to evaluate clinic-based mental health services in all four sub-districts in North West province, using quantitative and qualitative methods
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