Challenges for Policy Makers and Organizational Leaders: Addressing Trends in Mental Health Inequalities

Document Type : Perspective

Author

Center for Health Policy and Ethics, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, USA

Abstract

We typically think of acutely and chronically mentally ill patients as those who belong in psychiatric hospitals and the latter category of patients belonging in “regular” hospitals, but the intersection of physical and mental illness draws attention to important challenges for policy-makers and organizational leaders. This article illuminates some broad trends in the health status of people with mental illnesses, canvasses important features of inequalities suffered by people with mental illnesses, and suggests strategies for systemic reform. Most reform recommendations I offer are in the area of healthcare organization leadership and management. Other key reforms will likely be legislative, regulatory, and insurance-related. Social and cultural reforms in organizational practices and structures will also be critical.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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History

  • Receive Date: 01 July 2013
  • Revise Date: 20 July 2013
  • Accept Date: 17 July 2013
  • First Publish Date: 20 July 2013

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