University affiliation
School of public health and community medicine, Gothenburg University
Main supervisor
Carl Wikberg, PhD, District nurse, adjunct senior lecturer, Gothenburg University
PhD project participating in the National Research School in General Medicine.
Primary health care centers and student health services constitute complex and dynamic workplaces that face constant challenges in adapting to new research findings, technological advancements, and political guidelines. In a time where mental health issues are increasing in the population, especially among youth, the role of these services becomes ever more crucial. They carry a comprehensive responsibility to provide holistic healthcare, including preventative, health-promoting, and treatment interventions.
In the Västra Götaland region, care managers for mental health have been introduced in 175 primary health care centers to improve the management of mental disorders and stress-related conditions through patient-centered strategies. These strategies include increased accessibility and continuity for the patient and improved communication within the primary health care centers.
Simultaneously, the program 'Tanke & Hälsa' (Thought & Health) has been tested and is currently conducting a pilot study aimed at preventing the onset of a first depression by catching vulnerable teenagers early, by identifying and managing symptoms of depression and mental illness.
Research is crucial to meet the growing challenge of mental illness in society and to strengthen care at both the individual and systemic levels. Implementing new work methods requires reallocating resources and promotes collaboration between different professional groups and
operations. Success requires an understanding of staff attitudes and commitment, and research emphasizes the complex link between workplace conditions and patient outcomes.
The thesis aims to deepen the knowledge of effective methods for primary and secondary prevention of mental health within primary care and student health services, with a particular focus on the implementation process, work environment, and collaboration between different professional groups.
The thesis consists of two parts: Quantitative studies, cross-sectional and longitudinal, concerning care managers for mental health, as well as qualitative studies on the 'Tanke & Hälsa' program.
The quantitative studies aim to evaluate the introduction of the care manager function from the perspectives of the staff and the organization at 36 primary health care centers. The qualitative part focuses on the experiences of youths and healthcare professionals with the 'Tanke & Hälsa' program.
This combined methodology provides a comprehensive picture of both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of implementation and its effects.
This knowledge can be crucial for optimizing working conditions and healthcare services, which can benefit the entire population. Additionally, the results may provide insights into how similar models can be adapted and implemented in other regions, both nationally and internationally. The
long-term goal is to create sustainable, effective, and patient-centered care structures within primary care, and in cooperation with student health services, which can manage the increasing burden of mental illness effectively.
School of public health and community medicine, Gothenburg University
Carl Wikberg, PhD, District nurse, adjunct senior lecturer, Gothenburg University