Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-fbnjt Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-13T06:21:00.575Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

The implementation of mental health information systems in developing countries: Challenges and opportunities

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 April 2011

David M. Ndetei  and
Rachel Jenkins
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

The aims are to examine the challenges and opportunities in the implementation of mental health information systems (MHIS) in developing countries as suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) and explored by Gulbinat et al. (2008). Special recommendations for developing countries are: 1) MHIS should be linked to the general medical information system; 2) there is need for adoption, adaptation and validation of preferably self-administered instruments that are appropriate for different levels within the health care system; 3) developing countries must adopt innovative and “unconventional” approaches through utilization of community members, traditional doctors/healers and mid-cadre health workers, in addition to general doctors, for the delivery of mental health services.

Type
Editorials
Information
Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences , Volume 18 , Issue 1 , March 2009 , pp. 12 - 16
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

References

Chatterjee, S., Pillai, A., Jain, S., Cohen, A. & Patel, V. (in press). Outcomes of people with psychotic disorders in a community based rehabilitation program in rural India. British Journal of Psychiatry.Google Scholar
Gulbinat, W., Amaddeo, F., Ito, H., Medina-Mora, E., Mubbashar, M., Ndetei, D. & Plovnick, R. (2008). Statistics and Information Systems. Background Paper from the Statistics and Information Systems Conference Expert Group (CEG) for the Conference on Public Health Aspects of Diagnosis and Classification. Version 31 May 2008.Google Scholar
Ndetei, D.M., Khasakhala, L.I., Kingori, J., Oginga, A. & Raja, S. (2008). The complementary role of traditional and faith healers and potential liaisons with western-style mental health services in Kenya. Retrieved December 1, 2008, from http://www.utsouthwestern.edu/psychiatryandfreedomGoogle Scholar
Ndetei, D.M., Khasakhala, L.I., Kuria, M.W., Mutiso, M.N., Ongecha-Owuor, F.A. & Kokonya, D.A. (in press). The prevalence of mental disorders in adults in different level general medical facilities in Kenya: A cross-sectional study. Annals of General Psychiatry.Google Scholar
World Health Organization (2005). Mental Health Information Systems. WHO: Geneva.Google Scholar