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

Abstract

Objective: The Iranian Mental Health Survey (IranMHS) indicated that almost 1 in 4 people had one or more psychiatric disorders (23.6%); however, two-thirds of patients did not benefit from health interventions, many provided services were inadequate and imposed a high burden on Iranian families. Therefore, the development of a national program on providing comprehensive social and mental health services, entitled “SERAJ”, became necessary. The present study aims 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 the literature, 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 and evaluation.

Conclusion: SERAJ considered both preventive and treatment measures for mental and social health disorders and their risk factors. Moreover, the entire population can have access to primary and secondary services. Therefore, SERAJ is more comprehensive than the current situation in the country's mental health services. We suggest piloting and evaluating SERAJ in three districts of Iran.