International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

712 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Developing a Service Platform Definition to Promote Evidence-Based Planning and Funding of the Mental Health Service System

by Yong Yi Lee, Carla S. Meurk, Meredith G. Harris, Sandra Diminic, Roman W. Scheurer and Harvey A. Whiteford

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(12), 12261-12282; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph111212261 - 26 Nov 2014

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6440

Abstract

Ensuring that a mental health system provides ‘value for money’ requires policy makers to allocate resources to the most cost-effective interventions. Organizing cost-effective interventions into a service delivery framework will require a concept that can guide the mapping of evidence regarding disorder-level interventions [...] Read more.

Ensuring that a mental health system provides ‘value for money’ requires policy makers to allocate resources to the most cost-effective interventions. Organizing cost-effective interventions into a service delivery framework will require a concept that can guide the mapping of evidence regarding disorder-level interventions to aggregations of services that are meaningful for policy makers. The ‘service platform’ is an emerging concept that could be used to this end, however no explicit definition currently exists in the literature. The aim of this study was to develop a service platform definition that is consistent with how policy makers conceptualize the major elements of the mental health service system and to test the validity and utility of this definition through consultation with mental health policy makers. We derived a provisional definition informed by existing literature and consultation with experienced mental health researchers. Using a modified Delphi method, we obtained feedback from nine Australian policy makers. Respondents provided written answers to a questionnaire eliciting their views on the acceptability, comprehensibility and usefulness of a service platform definition which was subject to qualitative analysis. Overall, respondents understood the definition and found it both acceptable and useful, subject to certain conditions. They also provided suggestions for its improvement. Our findings suggest that the service platform concept could be a useful way of aggregating mental health services as a means for presenting priority setting evidence to policy makers in mental health. However, further development and testing of the concept is required. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

728 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Horizon 2020 Priorities in Clinical Mental Health Research: Results of a Consensus-Based ROAMER Expert Survey

by Iman Elfeddali, Christina M. Van der Feltz-Cornelis, Jim Van Os, Susanne Knappe, Eduard Vieta, Hans-Ulrich Wittchen, Carla Obradors-Tarragó and Josep Maria Haro

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(10), 10915-10939; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph111010915 - 21 Oct 2014

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 7697

Abstract

Within the ROAMER project, which aims to provide a Roadmap for Mental Health Research in Europe, a two-stage Delphi survey among 86 European experts was conducted in order to identify research priorities in clinical mental health research. Expert consensus existed with regard to [...] Read more.

Within the ROAMER project, which aims to provide a Roadmap for Mental Health Research in Europe, a two-stage Delphi survey among 86 European experts was conducted in order to identify research priorities in clinical mental health research. Expert consensus existed with regard to the importance of three challenges in the field of clinical mental health research: (1) the development of new, safe and effective interventions for mental disorders; (2) understanding the mechanisms of disease in order to be able to develop such new interventions; and (3) defining outcomes (an improved set of outcomes, including alternative outcomes) to use for clinical mental health research evaluation. Proposed actions involved increasing the utilization of tailored approaches (personalized medicine), developing blended eHealth/mHealth decision aids/guidance tools that help the clinician to choose between various treatment modalities, developing specific treatments in order to better target comorbidity and (further) development of biological, psychological and psychopharmacological interventions. The experts indicated that addressing these priorities will result in increased efficacy and impact across Europe; with a high probability of success, given that Europe has important strengths, such as skilled academics and a long research history. Finally, the experts stressed the importance of creating funding and coordinated networking as essential action needed in order to target the variety of challenges in clinical mental health research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

688 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Staying the Course? Challenges in Implementing Evidence-Based Programs in Community Mental Health Services

by Urban Markström

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(10), 10752-10769; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph111010752 - 16 Oct 2014

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5987

Abstract

This paper focuses on the second phase of the deinstitutionalisation of mental health care in which the development of community-based interventions are supposed to be implemented in local community mental health care systems. The challenge to sustainable implementation is illustrated by the Swedish [...] Read more.

This paper focuses on the second phase of the deinstitutionalisation of mental health care in which the development of community-based interventions are supposed to be implemented in local community mental health care systems. The challenge to sustainable implementation is illustrated by the Swedish case where the government put forward a national training program that sought to introduce Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) for people with severe mental illness. This study is based on document analysis and qualitative interviews with actors at the national, regional, and local levels covering a total of five regions and 15 municipalities that participated in the program. The analysis of the national experiences is put in relation to both research on public administration and policy analysis as well as to current research on implementation of evidence-based programs. The results showed a “drift” of the original model, which had already begun at the policy formulation stage and ended up in a large number of different local arrangements where only a few of the original components of ACT remained. We conclude that issues with implementation can only be fully understood by considering factors at different analytical levels. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care)

756 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predictors of Healthcare Service Utilization for Mental Health Reasons

by Marie-Josée Fleury, André Ngamini Ngui, Jean-Marie Bamvita, Guy Grenier and Jean Caron

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(10), 10559-10586; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph111010559 - 15 Oct 2014

Cited by 78 | Viewed by 10550

Abstract

This study was designed to identify: (1) predictors of 12-month healthcare service utilization for mental health reasons, framed by the Andersen model, among a population cohort in an epidemiological catchment area; and (2) correlates associated with healthcare service utilization for mental health reasons [...] Read more.

This study was designed to identify: (1) predictors of 12-month healthcare service utilization for mental health reasons, framed by the Andersen model, among a population cohort in an epidemiological catchment area; and (2) correlates associated with healthcare service utilization for mental health reasons among individuals with and without mental disorders respectively. Analyses comprised univariate, bivariate, and multiple regression analyses. Being male, having poor quality of life, possessing better self-perception of physical health, and suffering from major depressive episodes, panic disorder, social phobia, and emotional problems predicted healthcare service utilization for mental health reasons. Among individuals with mental disorders, needs factors (psychological distress, impulsiveness, emotional problems, victim of violence, and aggressive behavior) and visits to healthcare professionals were associated with healthcare service utilization for mental health reasons. Among individuals without mental disorders, healthcare service utilization for mental health reasons is strongly associated with enabling factors such as social support, income, environmental variables, and self-perception of the neighborhood. Interventions facilitating social cohesion and social solidarity in neighborhood settings may reduce the need to seek help among individuals without mental disorders. Furthermore, in their capacity as frontline professionals, general practitioners should be more sensitive in preventing, detecting, and treating mental disorders in routine primary care. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

577 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Does Primary Care Mental Health Resourcing Affect the Use and Costs of Secondary Psychiatric Services?

by Minna Sadeniemi, Sami Pirkola, Maiju Pankakoski, Grigori Joffe, Raija Kontio, Maili Malin, Taina Ala-Nikkola and Kristian Wahlbeck

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(9), 8743-8754; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph110908743 - 26 Aug 2014

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6574

Abstract

Collaborative care models for treatment of depression and anxiety disorders in primary care have been shown to be effective. The aim of this study was to investigate at the municipal level to what extent investment in mental health personnel at primary care health [...] Read more.

Collaborative care models for treatment of depression and anxiety disorders in primary care have been shown to be effective. The aim of this study was to investigate at the municipal level to what extent investment in mental health personnel at primary care health centres in the study area is reflected in the costs and use of secondary psychiatric services. Furthermore, we analysed whether the service provision and use of secondary psychiatric care correlates with the socioeconomic indicators of need. We found significant variation in the amount of mental health personnel provided at the health centres, uncorrelated with the indicators of need nor with the costs of secondary psychiatric care. The amount of mental health nurses at the health centres correlated inversely with the number of secondary psychiatric outpatient visits, whereas its relation to inpatient days and admission was positive. The costs of secondary psychiatric care correlated with level of psychiatric morbidity and socioeconomic indicators of need. The results suggest that when aiming at equal access of care and cost-efficiency, the primary and secondary care should be organized and planned with integrative collaboration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

779 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Size Matters — Determinants of Modern, Community-Oriented Mental Health Services

by Taina Ala-Nikkola, Sami Pirkola, Raija Kontio, Grigori Joffe, Maiju Pankakoski, Maili Malin, Minna Sadeniemi, Minna Kaila and Kristian Wahlbeck

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(8), 8456-8474; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph110808456 - 19 Aug 2014

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 7177

Abstract

Governances, structures and contents of mental health services are being reformed across countries. There is a need for data to support those changes. The aim of this study was to explore the quality, i.e., diversity and community orientation, and quantity, i.e., [...] Read more.

Governances, structures and contents of mental health services are being reformed across countries. There is a need for data to support those changes. The aim of this study was to explore the quality, i.e., diversity and community orientation, and quantity, i.e., personnel resources, of mental health and substance abuse services (MHS) and evaluate correlation between population needs and quality and quantity of MHS. The European Service Mapping Schedule—Revised (ESMS-R) was used to classify mental health and substance abuse services in southern Finland. Municipal-level aggregate data, local data on unemployment rate, length of education, age of retirement, proportion of single households, alcohol sales and a composite mental health index were used as indicators of population mental health needs. Population size correlated strongly with service diversity, explaining 84% of the variance. Personnel resources did not associate with diversity or community orientation. The indicators of mental health services need did not have the expected association with quality and quantity of services. In terms of service organization, the results may support larger population bases, at least 150,000 adult inhabitants, when aiming for higher diversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

432 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing Program Efficiency: A Time and Motion Study of the Mental Health Emergency Care — Rural Access Program in NSW Australia

by Emily Saurman, David Lyle, Sue Kirby and Russell Roberts

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(8), 7678-7689; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph110807678 - 31 Jul 2014

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 9150

Abstract

The Mental Health Emergency Care-Rural Access Program (MHEC-RAP) is a telehealth solution providing specialist emergency mental health care to rural and remote communities across western NSW, Australia. This is the first time and motion (T&M) study to examine program efficiency and capacity for [...] Read more.

The Mental Health Emergency Care-Rural Access Program (MHEC-RAP) is a telehealth solution providing specialist emergency mental health care to rural and remote communities across western NSW, Australia. This is the first time and motion (T&M) study to examine program efficiency and capacity for a telepsychiatry program. Clinical services are an integral aspect of the program accounting for 6% of all activities and 50% of the time spent conducting program activities, but half of this time is spent completing clinical paperwork. This finding emphasizes the importance of these services to program efficiency and the need to address variability of service provision to impact capacity. Currently, there is no efficiency benchmark for emergency telepsychiatry programs. Findings suggest that MHEC-RAP could increase its activity without affecting program responsiveness. T&M studies not only determine activity and time expenditure, but have a wider application assessing program efficiency by understanding, defining, and calculating capacity. T&M studies can inform future program development of MHEC-RAP and similar telehealth programs, both in Australia and overseas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

349 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mental and Behavioral Disorders Due to Substance Abuse and Perinatal Outcomes: A Study Based on Linked Population Data in New South Wales, Australia

by Michelle R. Bonello, Fenglian Xu, Zhuoyang Li, Lucy Burns, Marie-Paule Austin and Elizabeth A. Sullivan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(5), 4991-5005; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph110504991 - 8 May 2014

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 9928

Abstract

Background: The effects of mental and behavioral disorders (MBD) due to substance use during peri-conception and pregnancy on perinatal outcomes are unclear. The adverse perinatal outcomes of primiparous mothers admitted to hospital with MBD due to substance use before and/or during pregnancy were [...] Read more.

Background: The effects of mental and behavioral disorders (MBD) due to substance use during peri-conception and pregnancy on perinatal outcomes are unclear. The adverse perinatal outcomes of primiparous mothers admitted to hospital with MBD due to substance use before and/or during pregnancy were investigated. Method: This study linked birth and hospital records in NSW, Australia. Subjects included primiparous mothers admitted to hospital for MBD due to use of alcohol, opioids or cannabinoids during peri-conception and pregnancy. Results: There were 304 primiparous mothers admitted to hospital for MBD due to alcohol use (MBDA), 306 for MBD due to opioids use (MBDO) and 497 for MBD due to cannabinoids (MBDC) between the 12 months peri-conception and the end of pregnancy. Primiparous mothers admitted to hospital for MBDA during pregnancy or during both peri-conception and pregnancy were significantly more likely to give birth to a baby of low birthweight (AOR = 4.03, 95%CI: 1.97–8.24 for pregnancy; AOR = 9.21, 95%CI: 3.76–22.57 both periods); preterm birth (AOR = 3.26, 95% CI: 1.52–6.97 for pregnancy; AOR = 4.06, 95%CI: 1.50–11.01 both periods) and admission to SCN or NICU (AOR = 2.42, 95%CI: 1.31–4.49 for pregnancy; AOR = 4.03, 95%CI: 1.72–9.44 both periods). Primiparous mothers admitted to hospital for MBDO, MBDC or a combined diagnosis were almost three times as likely to give birth to preterm babies compared to mothers without hospital admissions for psychiatric or substance use disorders. Babies whose mothers were admitted to hospital with MBDO before and/or during pregnancy were six times more likely to be admitted to SCN or NICU (AOR = 6.29, 95%CI: 4.62–8.57). Conclusion: Consumption of alcohol, opioids or cannabinoids during peri-conception or pregnancy significantly increased the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care)

227 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Lessons from Community Mental Health to Drive Implementation in Health Care Systems for People with Long-Term Conditions

by Michele Tansella, Graham Thornicroft and Heidi Lempp

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(5), 4714-4728; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph110504714 - 30 Apr 2014

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7573

Abstract

This paper aims to identify which lessons learned from the evidence and the experiences accruing from the transformation in mental health services in recent decades may have relevance for the future development of healthcare for people with long-term physical conditions. First, nine principles [...] Read more.

This paper aims to identify which lessons learned from the evidence and the experiences accruing from the transformation in mental health services in recent decades may have relevance for the future development of healthcare for people with long-term physical conditions. First, nine principles are discussed which we first identified to guide mental health service organisation, and all of which can be potentially applied to long term care as well (autonomy, continuity, effectiveness, accessibility, comprehensiveness, equity, accountability, co-ordination, and efficiency). Second, we have outlined innovative operational aspects of service user participation, many of which were first initiated and consolidated in the mental health field, and some of which are now also being implemented in long term care (including case management, and crisis plans). We conclude that long term conditions, whether mental or physical, deserve a long-term commitment from the relevant health services, and indeed where continuity and co-ordination are properly funded implemented, this can ensure that the symptomatic course is more stable, quality of life is enhanced, and the clinical outcomes are more favourable. Innovations such as self-management for long-term conditions (intended to promote autonomy and empowerment) need to be subjected to the same level of rigorous scientific scrutiny as any other treatment or service interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care)

733 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Length of Stay for Mental and Behavioural Disorders Postpartum in Primiparous Mothers: A Cohort Study

by Fenglian Xu, Marie-Paule Austin, Nicole Reilly, Lisa Hilder and Elizabeth A Sullivan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(4), 3540-3552; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph110403540 - 27 Mar 2014

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 8126

Abstract

Background: Previous research showed that there was a significant increase in psychiatric hospital admission of postpartum mothers. The aim of the current study is to describe the length of hospital stays and patient days for mental and behavioural disorders (MBD) of new [...] Read more.

Background: Previous research showed that there was a significant increase in psychiatric hospital admission of postpartum mothers. The aim of the current study is to describe the length of hospital stays and patient days for mental and behavioural disorders (MBD) of new mothers in the first year after birth. Method: This was a cohort study based on linked population data between the New South Wales (NSW) Midwives Data Collection (MDC) and the NSW Admitted Patients Data Collection (APDC). The study population included primiparous mothers aged from 18 to 44 who gave birth between 1 July 2000 and 31 December 2005. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to describe the length of hospital stay for MBD. Results: For principal diagnoses of MBD, the entire length of hospital stay in the first year postpartum was 11.38 days (95% CI: 10.70–12.06) for mean and 6 days (95% CI: 5.87–6.13) for median. The length of hospital stay per admission was 8.47 days (95% CI: 8.03–8.90) for mean and 5 days (95% CI: 4.90–5.10) for median. There were 5,129 patient days of hospital stay per year for principal diagnoses of postpartum MBD in new mothers between 1 July 2000 and 31 December 2005 in NSW, Australia. Conclusions: MBD, especially unipolar depressions, adjustment disorders, acute psychotic episodes, and schizophrenia, or schizophrenia-like disorders during the first year after birth, placed a significant burden on hospital services due to long hospital stays and large number of admissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

335 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Amélie Prigent, Ane Auraaen, Blaise Kamendje-Tchokobou, Isabelle Durand-Zaleski and Karine Chevreul

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(3), 2804-2817; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph110302804 - 7 Mar 2014

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 7192

Abstract

There is a lack of comparable health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and utility data across all mental disorders and all inpatient and outpatient settings. Our objective was to investigate the HRQoL and utility scores of people with mental disorders in France, treated in [...] Read more.

There is a lack of comparable health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and utility data across all mental disorders and all inpatient and outpatient settings. Our objective was to investigate the HRQoL and utility scores of people with mental disorders in France, treated in outpatient and inpatient settings, and to identify the HRQoL and utility score losses attributable to mental disorders compared to the non-mentally ill general population. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess HRQoL (SF-12) and utility scores of patients with mental disorders and followed in four psychiatric sectors in France. Scores were described by demographic and clinical characteristics and were then adjusted on age and gender and compared with those of the non-mentally ill general population. Median HRQoL and utility scores were significantly lower in patients with mental disorders than in the non-mentally ill general population; median differences amounted to 5.4 for the HRQoL physical score, to 11.8 for the HRQoL mental score and to 0.125 for the utility score. Our findings underscore the negative impact of mental disorders on HRQoL in France and provide a baseline to assess the global impact of current and future organizational changes in the mental health care system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

376 KiB

Open AccessReview

New Roles for Pharmacists in Community Mental Health Care: A Narrative Review

by Maria Rubio-Valera, Timothy F. Chen and Claire L. O'Reilly

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(10), 10967-10990; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph111010967 - 21 Oct 2014

Cited by 139 | Viewed by 17996

Abstract

Medicines are a major treatment modality for many mental illnesses, and with the growing burden of mental disorders worldwide pharmacists are ideally positioned to play a greater role in supporting people with a mental illness. This narrative review aims to describe the evidence [...] Read more.

Medicines are a major treatment modality for many mental illnesses, and with the growing burden of mental disorders worldwide pharmacists are ideally positioned to play a greater role in supporting people with a mental illness. This narrative review aims to describe the evidence for pharmacist-delivered services in mental health care and address the barriers and facilitators to increasing the uptake of pharmacist services as part of the broader mental health care team. This narrative review is divided into three main sections: (1) the role of the pharmacist in mental health care in multidisciplinary teams and in supporting early detection of mental illness; (2) the pharmacists’ role in supporting quality use of medicines in medication review, strategies to improve medication adherence and antipsychotic polypharmacy, and shared decision making; and (3) barriers and facilitators to the implementation of mental health pharmacy services with a focus on organizational culture and mental health stigma. In the first section, the review presents new roles for pharmacists within multidisciplinary teams, such as in case conferencing or collaborative drug therapy management; and new roles that would benefit from increased pharmacist involvement, such as the early detection of mental health conditions, development of care plans and follow up of people with mental health problems. The second section describes the impact of medication review services and other pharmacist-led interventions designed to reduce inappropriate use of psychotropic medicines and improve medication adherence. Other new potential roles discussed include the management of antipsychotic polypharmacy and involvement in patient-centered care. Finally, barriers related to pharmacists’ attitudes, stigma and skills in the care of patients with mental health problems and barriers affecting pharmacist-physician collaboration are described, along with strategies to reduce mental health stigma. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care)

235 KiB

Open AccessReview

How Should Community Mental Health of Intellectual Disability Services Evolve?

by Colin Hemmings, Nick Bouras and Tom Craig

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(9), 8624-8631; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph110908624 - 25 Aug 2014

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6481

Abstract

Services for people with Intellectual Disability (ID) and coexisting mental health problems remain undeveloped; research into their effectiveness has been lacking. Three linked recent studies in the UK have provided evidence on essential service provision from staff, service users and carers. Interfaces with [...] Read more.

Services for people with Intellectual Disability (ID) and coexisting mental health problems remain undeveloped; research into their effectiveness has been lacking. Three linked recent studies in the UK have provided evidence on essential service provision from staff, service users and carers. Interfaces with mainstream mental health services were seen as problematic: the area of crisis response was seen as a particular problem. Further services’ research is needed, focusing on service components rather than whole service configurations. There was not support for establishing more intensive mental health services for people with ID only. The way forward is in developing new ways of co-working with staff in “mainstream” mental health services. Mental health of ID staff might often be best situated directly within these services. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care)

689 KiB

Open AccessReview

E-Health Interventions for Suicide Prevention

by Helen Christensen, Philip J. Batterham and Bridianne O'Dea

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(8), 8193-8212; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph110808193 - 12 Aug 2014

Cited by 104 | Viewed by 19214

Abstract

Many people at risk of suicide do not seek help before an attempt, and do not remain connected to health services following an attempt. E-health interventions are now being considered as a means to identify at-risk individuals, offer self-help through web interventions or [...] Read more.

Many people at risk of suicide do not seek help before an attempt, and do not remain connected to health services following an attempt. E-health interventions are now being considered as a means to identify at-risk individuals, offer self-help through web interventions or to deliver proactive interventions in response to individuals’ posts on social media. In this article, we examine research studies which focus on these three aspects of suicide and the internet: the use of online screening for suicide, the effectiveness of e-health interventions aimed to manage suicidal thoughts, and newer studies which aim to proactively intervene when individuals at risk of suicide are identified by their social media postings. We conclude that online screening may have a role, although there is a need for additional robust controlled research to establish whether suicide screening can effectively reduce suicide-related outcomes, and in what settings online screening might be most effective. The effectiveness of Internet interventions may be increased if these interventions are designed to specifically target suicidal thoughts, rather than associated conditions such as depression. The evidence for the use of intervention practices using social media is possible, although validity, feasibility and implementation remains highly uncertain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care)

485 KiB

Open AccessReview

Technologies as Support Tools for Persons with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review

by Nuria Aresti-Bartolome and Begonya Garcia-Zapirain

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(8), 7767-7802; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph110807767 - 4 Aug 2014

Cited by 166 | Viewed by 21291

Abstract

This study analyzes the technologies most widely used to work on areas affected by the Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Technologies can focus on the strengths and weaknesses of this disorder as they make it possible to create controlled environments, reducing the anxiety produced [...] Read more.

This study analyzes the technologies most widely used to work on areas affected by the Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Technologies can focus on the strengths and weaknesses of this disorder as they make it possible to create controlled environments, reducing the anxiety produced by real social situations. Extensive research has proven the efficiency of technologies as support tools for therapy and their acceptation by ASD sufferers and the people who are with them on a daily basis. This article is organized by the types of systems developed: virtual reality applications, telehealth systems, social robots and dedicated applications, all of which are classified by the areas they center on: communication, social learning and imitation skills and other ASD-associated conditions. 40.5% of the research conducted is found to be focused on communication as opposed to 37.8% focused on learning and social imitation skills and 21.6% which underlines problems associated with this disorder. Although most of the studies reveal how useful these tools are in therapy, they are generic tools for ASD sufferers in general, which means there is a lack of personalised tools to meet each person’s needs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Other

Jump to: Research, Review

98 KiB

Open AccessProject Report

Measuring Quality of Mental Health Care: An International Comparison

by Brigitta Spaeth-Rublee, Harold Alan Pincus, Fran Silvestri and Janet Peters

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2014, 11(10), 10384-10389; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph111010384 - 10 Oct 2014

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5928

Abstract

The International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL) (www.iimhl.com) is a unique international collaborative that focuses on improving mental health and addiction services. IIMHL is a collaboration of eight countries including Australia, England, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Sweden and USA.[...] [...] Read more.

The International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership (IIMHL) (www.iimhl.com) is a unique international collaborative that focuses on improving mental health and addiction services. IIMHL is a collaboration of eight countries including Australia, England, Canada, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Sweden and USA.[...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Care)

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Mental Health Care

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (16 papers)

Research

Review

Other

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI