28 July 2005
New national strategy aims to improve collection and use of mental health information
The Ministry of Health this week released a sector-wide mental health information strategy to ensure
information-gathering across the sector is carried out in the most effective way to improve health outcomes.
Despite the diverse range of users of mental health information and the different purposes to which it is put, no
overarching information strategy for mental health services has existed till now.
This has meant that a range of important IT projects and initiatives have been developed in an adhoc way without any
means for ensuring there is no duplication, information gaps, or even if the information gathered fulfils its original
purpose.
Dr Janice Wilson, the Ministry of Health's Deputy Director-General, Mental Health, said the National Mental Health
Information Strategy signalled a shift in emphasis from straight information collection toward the better use and
sharing of information at both local and national level. "The ongoing development of information systems offers
stakeholders an opportunity to share information in a way that consumers should be confident that they will receive the
best care regardless of which provider they see," she said.
"Well planned information developments in the future will mean improved access to mental health information for both
consumers and providers. It will also lead to increased accountability in mental health spending," she said.
The strategy outlines the priorities guiding the development of national mental health information from 2005 to 2010.
The strategy deals with two main types of information: - Qualitative data: Information collected to support the delivery
of care to individual consumers (commonly collected by patient management information systems). - Strategic management
data: Information collected to support the management of mental health service systems (eg. for funding, planning,
monitoring and policy development).
The strategy was developed following widespread consultation with stakeholders: consumers, caregivers, providers,
managers, DHBs, funders, planners, Maori and national agencies. A discussion document: Mental Health Information
Strategy - Key Directions,was released and public consultation meetings held.
ENDS