This module examines key aspects of monitoring and evaluation as they relate to a mental health policy and plan including how to monitor a plan and the different ways to evaluate a policy and plan. It presents a five-step process for conducting evaluations and explains how results of an evaluation can be utilized to improve policies and plans. The module then provides a detailed case study of a policy and plan of a hypothetical country. It describes various ways that evaluation can be used over a period of time to assess and influence policy and the plan that arises from it including the practical steps involved in policy evaluation and the policy decisions that can be made on the basis of monitoring and evaluations. Also available: 14-module package: WHO Mental Health Policy and Service Guidance Package - 14 modules Other modules included in the package: Improving Access and Use of Psychotropic Medicines Child and Adolescent Mental Health Policies and Plans Mental Health Policy Plans and Programmes. Updated version Mental Health Context Mental Health Financing Advocacy for Mental Health Quality Improvement for Mental Health Organization of Services for Mental Health Planning and Budgeting to Deliver Services for Mental Health Mental Health Legislation and Human Rights Mental Health Policies and Programmes in the Workplace Mental Health Information Systems Human Resources and Training in Mental Health Monitoring and Evaluation of Mental Health Policies and Plans

This introductory module describes the current global context of mental health. Beginning with an outline of the current burden of mental disorders the module sets the stage by describing the historical background to the current situation and summarising recent developments in the understanding treatment and care of people with mental disorders. An analysis is provided of trends in global health reform and their implications for mental health. To illustrate how these global trends can be addressed by governments and to introduce the reader to the guidance package a summary is then provided of the modules in the guidance package. This module will enable readers to gain an understanding of the global context of mental health and to select which modules will be useful to them in their particular situations. Also available: 14-module package: WHO Mental Health Policy and Service Guidance Package - 14 modules Other modules included in the package: Improving Access and Use of Psychotropic Medicines Child and Adolescent Mental Health Policies and Plans Mental Health Policy Plans and Programmes. Updated version Mental Health Context Mental Health Financing Advocacy for Mental Health Quality Improvement for Mental Health Organization of Services for Mental Health Planning and Budgeting to Deliver Services for Mental Health Mental Health Legislation and Human Rights Mental Health Policies and Programmes in the Workplace Mental Health Information Systems Human Resources and Training in Mental Health Monitoring and Evaluation of Mental Health Policies and Plans

WHO has developed a Mental Health Policy and Service Guidance Package to help implement the policy recommendations of the World Health Report 2001--Mental Health: New Understanding, New Hope. The package consists of a series of interrelated user-friendly modules designed to address the wide variety of needs and priorities in policy development and service planning. Each module addresses a core aspect of mental health. The 14 modules included in the package: Improving Access and Use of Psychotropic Medicines Child and Adolescent Mental Health Policies and Plans Mental Health Policy, Plans and Programmes. Updated version Mental Health Context Mental Health Financing Advocacy for Mental Health Quality Improvement for Mental Health Organization of Services for Mental Health Planning and Budgeting to Deliver Services for Mental Health Mental Health Legislation and Human Rights Mental Health Policies and Programmes in the Workplace Mental Health Information Systems Human Resources and Training in Mental Health Monitoring and Evaluation of Mental Health Policies and Plans

Financing is a critical factor in the implementation of a viable mental health system. This module provides guidance on how to assess current financing mechanisms for mental heath maximise the resource base for mental health and make the best use of available funds to promote mental health reforms. Also available: 14-module package: WHO Mental Health Policy and Service Guidance Package - 14 modules Other modules included in the package: Improving Access and Use of Psychotropic Medicines Child and Adolescent Mental Health Policies and Plans Mental Health Policy Plans and Programmes. Updated version Mental Health Context Mental Health Financing Advocacy for Mental Health Quality Improvement for Mental Health Organization of Services for Mental Health Planning and Budgeting to Deliver Services for Mental Health Mental Health Legislation and Human Rights Mental Health Policies and Programmes in the Workplace Mental Health Information Systems Human Resources and Training in Mental Health Monitoring and Evaluation of Mental Health Policies and Plans

An explicit mental health policy is an essential and powerful tool for a mental health section in a ministry of health. When properly formulated and implemented through plans and programmes policy can have a significant impact on the mental health of populations. This module sets out practical steps for the development of policies plans and programmes and for their implementation. Specific examples from countries are used to illustrate the process of developing policy plans and programmes throughout the module. Also available: 14-module package: WHO Mental Health Policy and Service Guidance Package - 14 modules Other modules included in the package: Improving Access and Use of Psychotropic Medicines Child and Adolescent Mental Health Policies and Plans Mental Health Policy Plans and Programmes. Updated version Mental Health Context Mental Health Financing Advocacy for Mental Health Quality Improvement for Mental Health Organization of Services for Mental Health Planning and Budgeting to Deliver Services for Mental Health Mental Health Legislation and Human Rights Mental Health Policies and Programmes in the Workplace Mental Health Information Systems Human Resources and Training in Mental Health Monitoring and Evaluation of Mental Health Policies and Plans

An explicit mental health policy is an essential and powerful tool for a mental health section in a ministry of health. When properly formulated and implemented through plans and programs, policy can have a significant impact on the mental health of populations. This module sets out practical steps for the development of policies, plans and programmes and for their implementation. Specific examples from countries are used to illustrate the process of developing policy, plans and programs throughout the module. Also available: WHO Mental Health Policy and Service Guidance Package--14 modules Other modules included in the package: Improving Access and Use of Psychotropic Medicines Child and Adolescent Mental Health Policies and Plans Mental Health Context Mental Health Financing Advocacy for Mental Health Quality Improvement for Mental Health Organization of Services for Mental Health Planning and Budgeting to Deliver Services for Mental Health Mental Health Legislation and Human Rights Mental Health Policies and Programmes in the Workplace Mental Health Information Systems Human Resources and Training in Mental Health Monitoring and Evaluation of Mental Health Policies and Plans