Linking epidemiology and disability measurement with mental health service policy and planning.
OBJECTIVE
This article reviews the extent to which epidemiology and disability measurement can contribute to mental health and service policy and planning.


METHODS
The review explores the information required for local, mental and international policy and planning in a variety of settings.


RESULTS
Epidemiology and disability measurement are essential to underpin policy and planning that are responsive to local needs, together with information on service inputs and processes and health outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Epidemiology and disability measurement should be an integral part of the policy and planning process to support the development of service, and service processes and the measurement of health outcomes for not only specialist mental health services, but also activities in primary care, schools and workplaces.
Jenkins
R
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Institute of Psychiatry, London, UK.
D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004813:Epidemiology; D006285:Health Planning / Q000592:standards*; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000600:supply & distribution*