Category FAQs Search : Mental Health
Question: Mental Health and Wellbeing at Primary Care Level in Scotland: A Vision for Community Health Partnerships
Answer: The sheer volume of mental health problems in the community and the substantial input from primary care in managing the majority of mental health
problems, estimated as 90% of care being provided in primary care settings (Goldberg & Huxley, 1992), is now widely recognised. With this also comes the
recognition of some of the limitations of primary care in meeting the needs of those with common mental health problems such as the inadequacy of training of primary health care workers and lack of access to evidence-based treatments. Furthermore, within current provision there is a lack of alternative
responses for many common mental health problems to be managed more appropriately, often leading to costly, inefficient and medicalised responses to cover a range of health and, more often, social needs. Primary care has long struggled to manage the burden of ill health, particularly in relation to how
people feel, when the acknowledged contributory factors are seen as outside the control of health professionals (poverty, unemployment, social
environment). While it can be difficult for primary care agencies to tackle risk factors that are a result of wider socio-economic conditions, there is nevertheless greater potential to take action to strengthen the factors that are known to promote mental health and protect against risk of ill health. Thus, while living on a low income or in insecure employment may not be readily amenable to change without socio-political shifts which would involve the redistribution of wealth, there may be other factors that contribute to mental health and well being in a local community which can be tackled. These include: gaining some control or influence over work and other areas of life; access to social capital; social support; and a sense of involvement in a community. Addressing these issues requires interventions or initiatives which promote empowerment, social inclusion, social contact and participation in the local community.
(Source: , 17 Nov 2020)
Source Link: https://doi-org.onlinedatabase.librarynet.com.my/10.1108/13619322200400039