title: Closing the treatment gap for mental, neurological and substance use disorders by strengthening existing health care platforms: strategies for delivery and integration of evidence-based interventions.
abstract: This paper outlines the main elements and features of a mental health care delivery platform and its delivery channels. These include evidence-based interventions that can be delivered via this platform as well as broader health system strengthening strategies for more effective and efficient delivery of services. The focus is broadly on health systems perspective rather than strictly disorder-oriented intervention analysis. A set of evidence-based interventions within the WHO pyramid framework of self-care, primary care, and specialist care have been identified; the main challenge lies in the translation of that evidence into practice. The delivery of these interventions requires an approach that puts into practice key principles of public health, adopts systems thinking, promotes whole-of-government involvement and is focused on quality improvement. Key strategies for effective translation of evidence into action include collaborative stepped care, strengthening human resources, and integrating mental health into general health care. In order to pursue these principles and strategies using a platform-wide approach, policy makers need to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and make use of the best available evidence in a transparent manner.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Chronic Conditions and Injuries, Public Health Foundation of India, 19, Rishi Nagar, Char Imli, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh India ; CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Rahul
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Shidhaye
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa ; Centre for Global Mental Health, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Crick
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lund
authors.affiliation: Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chisholm
keywords: Delivery of health care; Health services research; Health systems research; Integrated care; Low and middle income countries; Mental disorders