Table 1 Mapping mental health system problems to proposed solutions
Problem | Proposed Solution |
|---|---|
Fragmented service delivery | Implement regional-integrational reform with comprehensive treatment zones (regional mental health centers) |
Overreliance on hospital-based care | Transition to a community-based model with a continuum of care intensities |
Lack of continuity in patient care | Introduce treatment coordinators to manage patient transitions across the care continuum |
Insufficient early intervention | Develop specialized services for early diagnosis and intervention, especially for young people |
Workforce shortages | Reverse the workforce pyramid, relying more on therapists with shorter training times for initial response and triage |
Geographical disparities in access | Utilize technology to fill workforce gaps and address geographical distribution issues |
Ineffective economic incentives | Implement value-based therapeutic compensation and incentives for community-based care |
Limited patient and family involvement | Involve consumer organizations in decision-making and expand programs like “expert peers” and “consumer service providers” |
Chronic underfunding | Increase public expenditure on mental health by 5 billion NIS over five years |
Diagnostic limitations of current psychiatric categories | Shift focus from strict diagnostic categories to symptom clusters and functional assessments in line with the recovery model |
Limited efficacy of current biological treatments | Emphasize psychosocial interventions and recovery-oriented care alongside pharmacological treatments |
Lack of integration between mental health and primary care | Strengthen links between mental health services and primary care, potentially through shared care models |
Insufficient focus on recovery and quality of life | Implement a recovery-based model focusing on personal goals, community integration, and overall well-being |
Limited use of peer support | Expand peer support programs and integrate peer workers into mental health teams |
Inadequate crisis intervention services | Develop community-based crisis intervention teams and improve access to crisis services |
Lack of tailored approaches for different patient groups | Differentiate treatment approaches for SMI, non-SMI, and specific conditions like PTSD |