Last update:
03-Aug-2015

OBJECTIVE Evaluation of various dimensions of psychiatric reform through the attitudes and opinions of mental health professionals and the recipients (and their carers) of mental health services. Identification of the strengths and weaknesses of the current implementation of mental health services and priorities for their future planning, in the setting of a major economic crisis.

METHOD A survey was conducted, using a questionnaire completed by all the mental health professionals of the psychiatric department of a general hospital and the recipients of the services of the mental health network and their carers.

RESULTS The responses show high acceptance of the structures for mental health rehabilitation in the community and a clear preference for the community approach over mental hospitals. The survey also reveals ignorance of the institution of advocacy and sectorization, dissatisfaction with the level of participation of stakeholders in decision-making, and reservations about the economic viability of the units and the feasibility of full economic and employment integration of the mentally ill in society.

CONCLUSIONS Sectorization and the socio-economic reintegration of the mentally ill are perceived as two important areas on which policy makers need to concentrate for the successful implementation and completion of the psychiatric reform.

Key words: Mental health services, Psychiatric reform, Services evaluation, Survey.