Researchers in the Mental Health Implementation Network have previously identified seven broad areas of mental health need in England. Over six months, the research team conducted a rapid prioritisation exercise which identified interventions in six mental health priority topic areas: mental health inequities, child and adolescent mental health, integration of mental and physical health, caregiver support, and multi-morbidities including mental health and drug misuse. The prioritisation exercise included desk reviews and consultations with many different stakeholder groups.
Broad inclusive scope
The exercise was a highly inclusive attempt to ensure that the resulting list of mental health priorities correlates with perceived needs on the ground and focuses on evidence-based interventions. This methodological approach can be applied more broadly, not just to those in mental health, when rapid and tough decisions must be made about health-prioritisation.
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