Assessment of the municipal mental health program

Abstract

Aim. The aim of this article was to assess the structure of municipal Mental Health Program. Method. The subject of the analysis was the Gdansk Mental Health Program for the years 2016-2023. The program was verified through comparison with the model of health policy program, developed by the Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Tariff System. Particular attention was paid to the presence of all recommended components of a program and the precise definition of terminology, especially the formulated goals, expected results and efficiency measures. Results. The evaluated program does not contain required components of the health policy program. Unfortunately, this affects its quality. The document reveals a lack of estimation of the program implementation costs. The main goals and specific objectives do not meet the SMART criteria. Among the measures of effectiveness included in the program, the product indicators of quantitative nature have the largest share. Additionally, there is a lack of information on how to measure quality results and determine impact indicators. Regarding the evaluation, the assessment of the quality of services, their effectiveness and durability of the intended effects were not taken into account. Conclusions. Structural recommendations for mental health programs are needed. They would increase the effectiveness of the planned activities. Such effect could be achieved by use of criteria for health policy programs expressed in the Act of 27 August 2004 on health care benefits financed from public funds. Mental health programs would benefit if they were consulted by public health specialists.