Best Practices in Mental Health Reform: Discussion Paper

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PREFACE

The Best Practices in Mental Health Reform Project was developed and funded by the Federal/Provincial/ Territorial Advisory Network on Mental Health (ANMH), which comprises government officials in Health Canada and in the provinces and territories. The ANMH provides an intergovernmental forum for national collaboration on the identification, critical analysis and research on mental health issues. This project addresses one of the priority issues for the ANMH, namely, best practices in mental health policy and programs with respect to developing effective services and supports, components of a comprehensive community support system, and strategies to create the necessary conditions and incentives to foster their widespread implementation.

The Health Systems Research Unit of the Clarke Institute of Psychiatry was commissioned to undertake this body of work, which culminated in three deliverables: this discussion paper and two background papers, a critical, evidenced-based review of the current state of knowledge and a situational analysis of mental health reform policies, practices and initiatives in Canada which approximated "Best Practices" documented in the literature review. The Background papers are being published separately. It should be noted that the views expressed in both this publication and the background papers are those of the authors, and do not necessarily represent the views of the ANMH.

This discussion paper should be of interest to a variety of stakeholders in the health/mental health field, including policy makers, administrators, care providers, professional associations, consumer and family organizations and researchers.

It is also important to note that although mental health reform has implications for those with less severe problems, and for special populations with unique mental health needs, including, among others, children, older adults, and members of ethno-racial groups, this project focuses on chronic and severe mental disorders.

Valuable insights and suggestions were provided by volunteer, consumer and family groups (Canadian Mental Health Association, Schizophrenia Society of Canada, the National Network for Mental Health and the Depression and Manic-Depression Association of Canada) as well as national professional associations (Canadian Psychiatric Association, Canadian Psychological Association and the Canadian Association of Social Workers). Their timely and constructive input is gratefully acknowledged.

The ANMH appreciated the expertise, professionalism, dedication and spirit of cooperation of the principal investigator, Dr. Paula Goering and her excellent team of co-investigators, without which this complex and challenging project would not have been successfully completed within the required time frames. These researchers are at the cutting edge of health services policy related research in the mental health field. The contribution of Health Canada staff, particularly Carol Silcoff and Carl Lakaski of the Health Promotion & Programs Branch, is also recognized.