A comparative analysis of the initiatives "Improving Access to Psychological Therapies" (IAPT) in England and "Psychologists in Primary Health Care" in Norway
Year: 2012
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Background: The challenge in public mental health is threefold: 1) the majority of people suffering from mental illness receive no treatment; 2) there are not enough mental health professionals to offer individual treatment to all who suffer from mental illness; and 3) untreated mental illness is an economic burden to society and a serious health threat to those suffering. The English initiative: "Improving Access to Psychological Therapies" (IAPT), and the Norwegian programme: "Psychologists in Primary Health Care" (PPHC) have been implemented as tentative solutions to these challenges. IAPT involves treatment of anxiety and depression in primary health services. PPHC aims to recruit psychologists to Norwegian municipalities and provide prevention and treatment of mental disorders. This article contains a comparative analysis of IAPT and PPHC. Discussion: IAPT is characterized by strong national government, ensuring equal services across the nation. The content of the services is justified by a solid evidence-base. IAPT services are currently available to about 60% of the population. PPHC is characterized by a high degree of local autonomy, without clear guidelines to ensure equal services in different municipalities. The percentage of the population with access to PPHC services is unknown. Summary: IAPT involves thoroughly specified, evidence-based services that are evaluated continuously. PPHC lacks these qualities, but has the advantage of containing prevention which can be more cost-efficient than treatment. It remains to be seen whether the local autonomy in PPHC will facilitate clinical work or prevention.
Authors: Kristin Gärtner, Jon Heggland
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W651655964