Systematic Barriers to Quality Mental Health Care and Services in Selected Mental Hospitals in West Bengal

Suchandra Pandit, Dr. Smritikana Mani, Dr. Aparna Ray

Abstract: The quality of mental health services is crucial for the overall wellbeing of individuals with mental illness. This study investigates the quality and barriers of mental health services in all mental hospitals of West Bengal through a descriptive survey. The assessment covered various aspects such as infrastructure, protocols, policies, human resources, training, treatment, direct patient care services, and community linkage. The conceptual framework utilized the Quality Assurance Cycle of DySSSy, with data collected from four hospitals over six weeks using validated observation checklists, interviews, and record analysis. Findings indicated comprehensive indoor outdoor services, referral transport systems, and availability of psychotropic drugs. However, there were significant gaps in laboratory facilities, legal services, counseling, outreach services, psychosocial interventions, and community linkage post discharge. Inadequate human resources and partially trained staff were common issues. The study found a strong positive correlation between patient care services and staff training, while an inverse relationship existed between patient load and the quality of nursing care. The results highlight the need for targeted intervention to improve the quality mental health services.

Keywords: Mental health services, West Bengal, quality Care, staff training