Cost Effective Intervention for Patients with Psychotic Disorders in LMICs in South Eastern Europe

Background

Psychotic spectrum disorders (PDS) have large treatment gap in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in South-Eastern Europe (SEE), where up to 45% of affected people do not receive care for their condition. We need urgent dedication of policy, funding, and research to support the implementation of cost-effective interventions in LMICs, so that countries can expand access to mental health services and close the treatment gap.

Aims

IMPULSE aims to facilitate the development of effective mental health care in 5 countries of SEE by implementing an evidence-based, digital mental health intervention called DIALOG+.

Project plan

This mixed-method study will advance the implementation of easily deliverable, cost-saving and sustainable mental health interventions in LMICs, thus expanding access to care and alleviating the global burden of severe mental disorders on individuals, families, communities and societies by:

1. Developing a comprehensive strategy to implement and scale up DIALOG+ in participating countries;

2. Testing effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the DIALOG+ intervention in participating countries;

3. Identifying facilitators and barriers for the long-term sustainability of DIALOG+ in LMICs ;

4. Translating research findings into relevant input for national implementation guidance and policies in each country;

5. Strengthening patient, caregivers and public participation in each country;

6. Involving key stakeholder groups in all stages of the project;

7. Disseminating study findings.

Funding organisations

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