What type of information is needed to inform mental health policy?
The most valuable research integrates from thre levels of investigation: clinical efficacy, "real life" effectiveness (including cost-effectiveness) and policy research. Successful applications of systematic reviews have largely been limited to clinical efficacy questions. The contribution of systematic reviews/meta-analyses to effectiveness and economic questions in mental health has been very minor and their contribution to inform policy is negligible. The latter is unlikely to change due to the different type of information that policy makers need.
Sturm
Roland
R
Ph.D. Senior Economist RAND, 1700 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA.