Journal of Health Monitoring (Dec 2021)

Establishing a Mental Health Surveillance in Germany: Development of a framework concept and indicator set

  • Julia Thom,
  • Elvira Mauz,
  • Diana Peitz,
  • Christina Kersjes,
  • Marion Aichberger,
  • Harald Baumeister,
  • Anke Bramesfeld,
  • Jurand Daszkowski,
  • Theresa Eichhorn,
  • Wolfgang Gaebel,
  • Martin Härter,
  • Frank Jacobi,
  • Joseph Kuhn,
  • Jutta Lindert,
  • Jürgen Margraf,
  • Hanne Melchior,
  • Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg,
  • Angelika Nebe,
  • Heather Orpana,
  • Judith Peth,
  • Ulrich Reininghaus,
  • Steffi Riedel-Heller,
  • Uwe Rose,
  • Georg Schomerus,
  • Daniela Schuler,
  • Ursula von Rüden,
  • Heike Hölling

DOI
https://doi.org/10.25646/8861
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 4
pp. 34 – 63

Abstract

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In the course of the recognition of mental health as an essential component of population health, the Robert Koch Institute has begun developing a Mental Health Surveillance (MHS) system for Germany. MHS aims to continuously report data for relevant mental health indicators, thus creating a basis for evidence-based planning and evaluation of public health measures. In order to develop a set of indicators for the adult population, potential indicators were identified through a systematic literature review and selected in a consensus process by international and national experts and stakeholders. The final set comprises 60 indicators which, together, represent a multidimensional public health framework for mental health across four fields of action. For the fifth field of action ‘Mental health promotion and prevention’ indicators still need to be developed. The methodology piloted proved to be practicable. Strengths and limitations will be discussed regarding the search and definition of indicators, the scope of the indicator set as well as the participatory decision-making process. Next steps in setting up the MHS will be the operationalisation of the single indicators and their extension to also cover children and adolescents. Given assured data availability, the MHS will contribute to broadening our knowledge on population mental health, supporting a targeted promotion of mental health and reducing the disease burden in persons with mental disorders.

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