Lessons learned from an internal evaluation of pilot implementation on community-based mental health

Introduction. Community-based mental health care (CBMHC) is associated with continuity of care, greater users’ satisfaction, increased adherence, better protection of human rights, and prevention of stigma. To facilitate the adoption of CBMHC across Europe, the EU-funded Joint Action (JA) ImpleMENTAL (2021-2024) supports 11 participating countries in transforming their mental health (MH) care systems through pilot implementation of selected elements of the Belgian model of MH services reform.



Methods. To draw lessons from the pilot implementation process, the pilot actions are submitted to an internal evaluation. A questionnaire has been developed for the countries, which is complemented by individual interviews and focus group discussions to investigate in more detail specific topics raised in the questionnaire. The analysis focuses on learnings from the implementation, specifically in regard to user participation, intersectoral collaboration for network building, and interconnections of the MH system as a whole. It also addresses the usefulness of the approach and tools applied for planning and conducting the pilots.



Results. The analysis of the (preliminary) results shows barriers and facilitators for the implementation of CBMHC in Europe and provides insights into the question of whether the approach and tools used have been perceived as helpful for the implementation process. Depending on their systems and context, the implementing countries face different challenges and need to find adequate solutions. Even though the countries differ in their initial set-up of MH services, some common barriers and facilitators can be identified.



Conclusion/Discussion. The investigation enables us to draw conclusions on the short-term achievements of the pilots and experiences of the implementation approach that will feed into further discussion and follow-up activities related to the sustainability of the pilots. This includes their potential upscaling and further recommendations for the transferability of the activities.