Nick O’Shea
How can economic theory help with the everyday challenges of commissioning and providing mental health services?
Economic theories relevant to public service provision (Part 2) demonstrates how insights from economics can inform decision-making about mental health services. Looking at five current issues facing mental health care (including ‘postcode lotteries’, waiting times and the impact of digital tools) the briefing offers economic explanations for why they happen. It also offers solutions and ideas for simple improvements that could make a significant difference.
This briefing takes the ‘crash-course’ of economic theories in Part 1 and applies them to pertinent, real-time situations facing mental health commissioners and providers. It is intended to support health and care commissioners and providers to make use of economics in their work.
This briefing is part of a series from the Mental Health Economics Collaborative (hosted by Centre for Mental Health, the NHS Confederation Mental Health Network and London School of Economics Personal Social Services Research Unit).
