Duration: 2013-2015
“Feasibility study in preparation for Randomized Trial of Enhanced Primary Mental Health Care Implementation” is a two year research project supported by Grand Challenges Canada and implemented through a collaboration between the Institute of Population, Health and Development (PHAD) and Simon Fraser University (SFU). Grand Challenges Canada is funded by the Government of Canada and is dedicated to supporting Bold Ideas with Big Impact in global health.
Depression has been found to be a prevalent condition in Viet Nam. Although primary healthcare services are accessible in Viet Nam for the general population, there is very limited access to specialist services for common mental disorders such as depression.
This research is preparation for a subsequent project that will undertake a cluster randomized controlled trial of enhanced primary healthcare services for depression in Viet Nam. The study has the potential to have a transformative effect on the quality of mental health services provided to a large proportion of the population in Viet Nam that experiences disability and distress as a result of common mental disorders. Moreover, it holds the potential to demonstrate proof-of-concept for such primary healthcare enhancements for common mental health problems in low-and middle-income countries, thus addressing a large burden of disease through a low-cost intervention that could be easily integrated into existing services.
The target population for our intervention is primary healthcare providers such as general practitioners, commune health workers, and other healthcare providers who work at the level of primary healthcare. The research aims to achieve specific changes in their practice, including: the incorporation of enhanced, yet very brief standardized assessment of common mental health conditions and; implementation and followup of a “supported self-management” strategy that has been shown to be effective and also has the benefit of engaging patients, families and communities in health promotion and illness prevention strategies.