4858 Mental Health Report - National University of Ireland, Galway

Conclusions and Recommendations
area, we need to develop insights into the dynamics and models for collaboration
and their outcomes. This will entail more systematic and critical study of the factors
that facilitate or impede effective collaboration. The present study provides an
overview of current cross-border co-operation in the development of collaborative
practices and data sources in the mental health promotion area. Clearly, given the
lower than desired response rate to the initial questionnaire survey, the study does
not claim to have carried out an exhaustive inventory of current initiatives. Likewise,
the findings from the case studies and interviews are not being presented as
representative but rather as illustrative of current perceptions of people actively
working on cross-border projects in this area.
Notwithstanding this, the report does highlight a number of key issues for
consideration: the development of policy and a co-ordinated plan of action on an
all-island basis; setting up a more functional and supportive system of collaborative
relationships on a North-South and East-West basis; collaboration and dissemination
of information and knowledge to increase the visibility and relevance of positive
mental health across all sectors of society; the recognition of training needs and
skills development; explicit identification of the main objectives of cross-border
working and a facility for monitoring and evaluating these in the course of project
development. The establishment of a network of key players in this area together
with the setting up of steering mechanisms would greatly facilitate the process of
developing effective best practice and policy.
The existing mental health data sources in both Irish jurisdictions have been
determined and documented in this report. Having established the strengths and
weaknesses of existing data, current opportunities for collaboration between
partners north and south of the border and with colleagues in the UK and Europe
are highlighted. The specific requirements for further co-operation and
harmonisation of data sets need to be addressed. Based on the compatibility study,
recommendations are made concerning the requirement for standardisation of
measurement and methodologies and the inclusion of positive mental health
indicators.
Ultimately, by determining the mental health status and needs of the population in
the two Irish jurisdictions, appropriate planning and targeting of mental health
promotion strategies can be directed through specific policy development. This
includes the need for policies which address the broad determinants of mental
health on a cross-sectoral basis. The mental health impacts of social and economic
policies at the population level needs to be considered if the wider public health
potential of mental health promotion is to be realised. Bringing together key players
from policy, practice and research in the area of mental health promotion on
the island of Ireland will provide a unique opportunity for collective
reflection on these issues, and on the insights and lessons learnt to
date regarding effective cross-border working. This is a critical
first step in moving towards the establishment of successful and
sustainable collaborative initiatives in the future.
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