On 10 October 2008 – ‘World Mental Health Day’ –the World Health Organization published its report ‘Policies and Practices for Mental Health in Europe’, containing an overview of mental health policy and practice in 42 European countries. This report constitutes a valuable foundation for further investment in mental health services in Europe. On the basis of the data in this report (partly supplied by the Trimbos Institute) it will be possible to measure the progress made in various European countries during the coming years. The report will also be used to evaluate the outcome of the goals outlined in the Tallinn Charter and the European Pact.

According to the WHO report, many EU countries, including the Netherlands, have achieved significant improvements in mental health care in recent years. Progress has been particularly marked in the areas of deinstitutionalisation, establishing low-threshold facilities, involving patient organisations and strengthening primary level care. Nonetheless, the report shows that large disparities remain between European countries. These are evident for example in the areas of health care staff training and qualifications as well as the prescribing of medicines.

In order to promote quality improvement within these new European parameters, the WHO has initiated a follow-up project, in which the Trimbos Institute is involved. One of the aims of the project is to develop indicators for the quality of care. In addition, an inventory is to be made of successful leadership strategies and best practices, in order to drive the change process further forward.