O-32 A stakeholder analysis of the Saint Lucian Mental Health system
Author(s):
D Spence, 2, C P Lin , K Thomas , K Segree , M Kodilinye , S Smith , K Brown , E Calvert , R Morecroft , R Harding
Year of Presentation:
2022
Objective: To measure structures, processes, outputs,
outcomes and costs for hospice palliative care services in
Jamaica.
Methods: A qualitative methodological approach using semi-structured interviews to acquire primary data was chosen. Eighteen participants were selected based on profession, experience as a beneficiary of MH services, or other interaction with the system. Braun and Clark’s (2006) sixstep thematic analysis was then conducted for data extraction and interpretation.
Results: Three broad issues - cultural differences, political attitudes, postures, and behaviours, and inadequate leadership - emerged as major hindrances to the development and implementation of MH policies, and system expansion. With Stigma as a pervading theme, significant disproportionate power distributions systematically disadvantaged those who interacted with the system as service users. This skewed dynamic resulting from various factors, formed the basis for other forms of structural harm manifested as economic, political, legislative and other inequalities that hindered the advancement of MH policy and service development as well as agency, health, and social progress of MH clients in Saint Lucia.
Conclusion: Pervasive stigma embedded in institutions of power stymies MH policy and institutional growth and creates discriminatory frameworks against Saint Lucia's mentally ill. By explicitly integrating and mainstreaming mental health-related issues into other priority health alliances and programmes, laws and policies, a multidimensional Mental Health system capable of meeting complex and cross-sectoral needs may be developed.