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[Current status and developments in psychiatric care. A European comparison]
W Rössler1, H J Salize, U Biechele
1Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit, Mannheim.
Der Nervenarzt
|July 1, 1994
Summary
Psychiatric care in Europe has significantly reformed over 30 years, with reduced hospital sizes and bed numbers. Community-based care faces challenges due to varying support systems and public attitudes.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Services Research
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Over the past three decades, European psychiatric care has undergone significant reforms.
- Key indicators show a marked shift in mental health service provision across European nations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the changes and trends in psychiatric care across European countries over the last 30 years.
- To identify factors influencing the implementation of community-based psychiatric care.
Main Methods:
- Review of reform indicators in psychiatric care across multiple European countries.
- Analysis of changes in hospital size, bed availability, and outpatient/complementary sector development.
Main Results:
- A consistent reduction in psychiatric hospital size and bed numbers was observed across most European countries.
- The development of outpatient and complementary sectors (e.g., sheltered housing, workshops) shows considerable variation between countries.
- Financing and legal frameworks for psychiatric treatment are complex and differ significantly across Europe.
Conclusions:
- While hospital-based care has been downsized, the expansion of community-based psychiatric care is hindered by institutional deficits and negative public attitudes.
- Further progress in community-based mental health services requires addressing societal stigma and improving integrated care models.