Implementing the WHO mhGAP Model: Roles of Nursing and Family Medicine in Mental Health Integration in Saudi Primary Care

Abstract

The integration of mental health services into primary care has emerged as a critical strategy for improving access to care and reducing the global burden of mental disorders. In Saudi Arabia, the implementation of the World Health Organization's Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) model presents a unique opportunity to strengthen mental health integration in primary care settings. This systematic review aims to explore the roles of nursing and family medicine in implementing the mhGAP model and advancing mental health integration in Saudi primary care. A comprehensive search of electronic databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus, was conducted to identify relevant studies published between 2010 and 2023. The search strategy employed a combination of keywords related to mhGAP, mental health integration, primary care, nursing, family medicine, and Saudi Arabia. A total of 48 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The findings highlight the critical roles of nurses and family physicians in implementing the mhGAP model, including screening, assessment, diagnosis, treatment, referral, and follow-up of common mental disorders. Key factors influencing the successful implementation of the mhGAP model in Saudi primary care include training and capacity building, interprofessional collaboration, cultural adaptation, and health system strengthening. The review also identifies several challenges and barriers to mental health integration, such as stigma, limited resources, and fragmented care. The findings of this review have significant implications for policymakers, healthcare organizations, and professionals in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the need for strategic initiatives to enhance the roles of nursing and family medicine in implementing the mhGAP model and advancing mental health integration in primary care settings.