Iran’s Comprehensive Mental and Social Health Services (SERAJ Program): A Pilot Protocol

摘要

Objective: The Iranian Mental Health Survey (IranMHS) indicated that almost 1 in 4 people had one or more psychiatricdisorders (23.6); however, two-thirds of patients did not benefit from health interventions, many provided services wereinadequate and imposed a high burden on Iranian families. Therefore, the development of a national program onproviding comprehensive social and mental health services, entitled “SERAJ”, became necessary. The present studyaims to develop and outline the protocol for the pilot implementation of SERAJ.Method: This study is an action research with the collaborative mode. To compile the protocol, a broad review of theliterature, interviews with experts and stakeholders, and focused group discussions were conducted.Results: The pilot implementation should be divided into 4 phases: (1) preparing documentation and work team, (2)preparing the prerequisites for providing pilot services, (3) providing pilot services, and (4) implementation andevaluation.Conclusion: SERAJ considered both preventive and treatment measures for mental and social health disorders andtheir risk factors. Moreover, the entire population can have access to primary and secondary services. Therefore, SERAJis more comprehensive than the current situation in the country's mental health services. We suggest piloting andevaluating SERAJ in three districts of Iran.