The implementation of mental health information systems in developing countries: challenges and opportunities

The aims are to examine the challenges and opportunities in the implementation of mental health information systems (MHIS) in developing countries as suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO) and explored by Gulbinat et al. (2008). Special recommendations for developing countries are: 1) MHIS should be linked to the general medical information system; 2) there is need for adoption, adaptation and validation of preferably self-administered instruments that are appropriate for different levels within the health care system; 3) developing countries must adopt innovative and "unconventional" approaches through utilization of community members, traditional doctors/healers and mid-cadre health workers, in addition to general doctors, for the delivery of mental health services.