Facilitators and Barriers of implementing Mental Health Impact Assessment

Abstract The second presentation will outline development work within the Finnish Mental Health Strategy 2020-2030, describing the process of implementing a MHIA model into the Finnish context. Background To date, relatively little attention has been paid to MHIA in relation to municipal and wellbeing services county decisions in Finland, and there has been no universal model guiding the process. The aim of this study was to provide an overview of the current state of MHIA and explore foundations for assessing and implementing MHIA practices into the Finnish context. Methods Implementation began in May 2022, with two surveys evaluating awareness and application of MHIA practices were collected from 1) all Finnish municipalities and hospital districts and 2) from Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO's). Results Survey 1 generated responses from 112 municipalities and 11 hospital districts (response rates of 36.4%, and 52.4% respectively), revealing significant variability in the application and awareness of the MHIA. Survey 2 was answered by 27 NGO's highlighting potential synergy effects and benefits of NGO's being involved in MHIA processes. Conclusions Most municipalities and hospital districts reported that MHIA was not part of current decision-making processes. However, other impact assessment frameworks were mentioned such as child impact assessment, environmental impact assessment, and business impact assessment. Results highlight the need for enhanced strategic support, training, and comprehensive perspectives to improve MHIA practices, emphasising the need for clear guidelines, integration with other assessments, user-friendly metrics, and local implementation support. NGOs were highlighted as useful partners in the process, however emphasised the need for clear practices and frameworks to guide the process. Furthermore, NGOs wished to be included in decision-making processes in order to have a genuine influence.