Barriers to delivering mental health services in Georgia with an economic and financial focus: informing policy and acting on evidence

• DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-2912-5
• Publication Date: 2018-02-12T19:07:10Z
• Authors: Lela Sulaberidze; Stuart Green; Ivdity Chikovani; Maia Uchaneishvili; George Gotsadze
• Keywords: Scarcity; Health administration; Health Services Research

Whilst there is recognition that the global burden of disease associated with mental health disorders significant, economic resources available, especially in Low and Middle Income Countries, are particularly scarce. Identifying (system) financial (individual) barriers to delivering services assessing opportunities for reform can support development strategies change. A mixed methods study was developed, which engaged a range stakeholders from services, including key informants, service managers, healthcare professional patients their care-takers. Data generated interviews focus groups were analysed using an existing framework outlines improving practice. In addition, utilised financing programmatic data. The analysis identified variety local barriers, including: inhibition diversification workforce due inflexible resources; variable limited provision across country; absence mechanisms assess delivery quality services. main related out-of pocket payments purchasing high medications transportation access scarcity exists Georgia, as many other countries, clear improve effectiveness current programme. Addressing system-wide could enable aim meet needs patients. use data implementation programme offers benchmark appropriate commissioning reconfiguration