Authors: Frances Adiukwu, Renato de Filippis, Laura Orsolini, Drita Gashi Bytyc¸i, Sheikh Shoib, Ramdas Ransing, Mohammad Slaih, Florence Jaguga, Jibril I. M. Handuleh, Margaret Isioma Ojeahere, Irfan Ullah, Ruta Karaliuniene, Sachin Nagendrappa, Bita Vahdani, Agaah Ashrafi, Dorottya Ori, Camille Noel, Zargham Abbass, Chonnakarn Jatchavala, Mariana Pinto da Costa, Lamia[1]a Essam, Ramyadarshni Vadivel, Mohammadreza Shalbafan

Psychiatric Services, 2021

Abstract

Every health care system requires an adequate health care workforce, service delivery, financial support, and information technology. During the COVID-19 pandemic, global health systems were ill prepared to address the rising prevalence of mental health problems, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), thereby increasing treatment gaps. To close these gaps globally, task shifting and telepsychiatry should bemade available andmaximized, particularly in LMICs. Task shifting to nonspecialist health workers to improve essential mental health coverage and encourage efficient use of the available resources and technology has become the most viable strategy.