Community-based psychiatry – outpatient therapy instead of in-patient care

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) has been supporting a highly promising approach to the treatment of widespread mental illness since 2009. Instead of being hospitalised, patients can receive outpatient therapy at local community care centres where the range and quality of services are being improved. This approach is proving successful, not just for patients, but for everyone concerned.

A man walks across scrubland followed by a truffle hog.

People suffering from mental illness are being reintegrated into society thanks to outpatient care and rural community projects, such as the truffle hunt shown here. © Armin Smailovic / SDC

Munevera likes going to the community health centre. Since receiving treatment twice a week, her mental illness has stabilised. Before her condition would constantly fluctuate – she would be hospitalised which would improve her mental health, but after being released it would get progressively worse again, resulting in a return to hospital at some point. She was hospitalised eight times altogether. That was before she began receiving treatment at the local psychiatric care centre.

The situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina was challenging for many people even before coronavirus. The older generation is still dealing with the psychological impact of the war during the 1990s with many people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. But younger people are suffering too due to the trauma experienced by their parents. Economic and political stagnation is also forcing many to emigrate. Munevera's sister lives in Sweden and her daughter is in the USA. Mental illness is rife while rates of depression, suicide and domestic violence are high.

An elderly man sitting alone at a table in a dimly-lit room.
Loneliness and feelings of abandonment often trigger mental illness. © Armin Smailovic / SDC

Outpatient therapy in the community

The state healthcare system is tackling the situation by opening psychiatric care centres where people can receive outpatient therapy in their local community. A major benefit of this highly promising approach is that people can receive support over a longer period without taking them out of their social environment or gainful employment. However, it does not just aim to reach people suffering from mental illness but also their families and, in particular, vulnerable people who could develop an illness due to their difficult circumstances. 

A group of carers trying out drama therapy in a room.
Group treatments, such as drama therapy here, increase patients' acceptance of their illness and help them to express their suffering. © Armin Smailovic / SDC

Overcoming social stigma

Unfortunately lots of people do not visit the community care centres or only attend at a late stage for fear of being labelled 'crazy'. Overcoming stigmatisation and discrimination is one of the key goals of the project which Switzerland has been supporting since 2009. This is being achieved through public-awareness campaigns, but also via local projects which aim to reintegrate people into social life in their community.

A speaker addressing an audience.
People who have been affected by mental illness give public talks, tell their stories and help overcome widespread prejudice. © SDC

Improving mental healthcare

Switzerland's support not only seeks to remove stigma but also to improve the quality and range of healthcare services. An administrative and regulatory framework is being established to enable the work of the community care centres to be optimised and assessed. This is taking place in 71 community care centres, some of which are now following European standards. Care quality is also being improved by providing training for carers, therapists and administrative staff.

Care professionals who have completed training.
Over 700 people are employed at 71 centres: They are receiving training in psychiatric care. © SDC

An improvement for all concerned

This multi-faceted approach not only supports patients, their relatives and vulnerable people, but also improves the situation for healthcare professionals and the authorities responsible for healthcare services. Switzerland's International Cooperation Strategy 2021‒24 helps improve the lives of thousands of people directly or indirectly which in turn alleviates migratory pressure.

A group playing music together in a forest glade.
In some forms of treatment, such as music therapy shown here, people with mental illness meet up with other members of the community to play music. © Armin Smailovic / SDC

Switzerland has been pursuing a new strategy in development and cooperation since 2021. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a priority country in the strategy which defines the following thematic focus areas:

  • Creating decent jobs locally
  • Combating climate change
  • Reducing the causes of displacement and irregular migration
  • Working to ensure the rule of law

International Cooperation Strategy 2021‒24

The figures speak for themselves

Whereas 10% of the patients treated at the community care centres had to be hospitalised in 2017, the figure had fallen to just 2% by 2020 despite the pandemic. Over the same period, 1800 young and 1000 older people were treated with innovative methods for addiction problems and depression. In total, 83,000 people are benefiting from improved healthcare services being provided at 71 community care centres. The results achieved are remarkable and confirm the right path has been taken. The SDC will continue to pursue this approach with its partners in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Gemeindenahe Psychiatrie in Bosnien und Herzegowina
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