Author:
Glover Gyles R.,Leese Morven,McCrone Paul
Abstract
BackgroundThe greater frequency of mental illness in deprived and inner-city populations is well recognised; allocation of funds in the UK health service makes some allowance for this. However, it is not clear whether the differences are similar for all levels of mental health care need.AimsTo study the range in prevalence of mental health problems and care at primary care, general secondary care and forensic care levels.MethodWe used mainly descriptive statistics to study evidence available from existing sources – some based on indicators of likely need, some on observed prevalance of treatment.ResultsAmong English health authority areas, the most morbid have about twice the prevalence of primary care level mental illness of the least morbid. For secondary care the ratio is between 2.5 and 4 to 1, while for services for mentally disordered offenders it is in excess of 20:1.ConclusionsWhere needs indices are used for resource allocation, responsible authorities should ensure that they produce ranges reflecting the full compass of services funded. For forensic services the range of morbidity levels may be so great that funding needs to rest at a larger population level than that of health authorities.
Publisher
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health
Cited by
30 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献