CONFERENCE THEMES
1: Reducing socio-economic inequalities of places, individuals and services for better patients' recovery
Equity is defined as the absence of differences across socially, economically, demographically or geographically defined population groups. Social indicators such as education, income, social capital, quality of services and others have been recognized to have a relevant modulating effect on recovery. The theme of equity and the question of who can profit from service delivery, and thus reach optimal recovery from illness embraces a wide variety of research topics and requires different approaches and analytic tools. Accessibility measures can be viewed as a social indicator when they assess and show the availability of social opportunities for individuals.
2: Psychosocial interventions that promote better outcome and recovery
This theme aims at providing an update on new knowledge on a broad range of topics relevant to health service research and on most effective treatments that should be provided to patients cared for in mental health services. Specific emphasis will be given on contextual and treatment factors that are expected to produce better outcomes and functional recovery. Specifically, the following sub-themes will be covered: a) health service research; b) effective intervention provision in routine mental health services; c) effectiveness evaluation of complex recovery-oriented interventions in routine mental health services; d) multidimensional outcomes in mental health services; e) stigma, discrimination and human rights in mental health; f) interplay of biological and environmental factors in determining outcome of mental disorders.
3: Changing patterns of psychotropic drug interventions in mental health systems
The last decades have been characterized by substantial changes in the provision of psychotropic drug interventions, at a local, national and global level. This theme aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these changes which have had, and will have in the future, a profound impact on the treatment and care of individuals with psychiatric disorders, and will also play a key role in the change process needed for working in a recovery-oriented style. We encourage studies describing disparities in access and use of evidence-based pharmacological interventions, barriers to care, and studies analyzing the challenging aspects in implementing evidence-based treatment recommendations.
4: Improving communications skills for better mental health services
Mental health is influenced by a complex interplay of physical, social, economic, cultural and environmental factors and it must be seen in a broader context, with all stakeholders involved. Health and well-being of all people is the central goal of the mental health services. This entails a more holistic and people-centred approach to mental health care, and a balanced consideration of the needs as well as the responsibilities and capacities of all mental health constituents. In this context the importance of health provider-patient communication on both biomedical and psychological outcomes of care becomes increasingly relevant. All studies on health provider-patient communication and its role in mental health services are welcome under this theme.