Planning and evaluating mental health services in low- and middle-income countries using theory of change. (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Breuer, Erica; De Silva, Mary J.; Shidaye, Rahul; Petersen, Inge; Nakku, Juliet; Jordans, Mark J. D.; Fekadu, Abebaw; Lund, Crick
• Is Part Of: British journal of psychiatry. Volume 208(2016)Supplement
• Page Start: s55
• Page End: s62
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychology, Pathological -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.114.153841
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1250

Abstract

Abstract : Background: There is little practical guidance on how contextually relevant mental healthcare plans (MHCPs) can be developed in low-resource settings. Aims: To describe how theory of change (ToC) was used to plan the development and evaluation of MHCPs as part of the PRogramme for Improving Mental health carE (PRIME). Method: ToC development occurred in three stages: (a) development of a cross-country ToC by 15 PRIME consortium members; (b) development of country-specific ToCs in 13 workshops with a median of 15 (interquartile range 13–22) stakeholders per workshop; and (c) review and refinement of the cross-country ToC by 18 PRIME consortium members. Results: One cross-country and five district ToCs were developed that outlined the steps required to improve outcomes for people with mental disorders in PRIME districts. Conclusions: ToC is a valuable participatory method that can be used to develop MHCPs and plan their evaluation.