Leadership in mental health policy: the national context.
OBJECTIVE
To describe how mental health policy is developed and implemented.


METHODS
A review of the literature on public policy analysis and the experience of the author in the development and implementation of national mental health policy.


RESULTS
A five-step process of problem identification, policy development, political decision, policy implementation and evaluation provides a framework for understanding the policy cycle.


CONCLUSIONS
An understanding of this process is essential for psychiatrists and other mental health professionals in order to influence the process and content of mental health policy.
Whiteford
Harvey
H
Psychiatry, University of Queensland, Richlands, Qld, Australia. h.whiteford@uq.edu.au
D001315:Australia; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D016134:Organizational Policy