BACKGROUND

Methods for comparing local mental health service systems are needed to allow identification of different patterns of service provision and of inequities within and between countries.

AIM

The aim of this study was to describe and compare mental health service systems in 13 catchment areas in Spain and Italy. Within each country, a range of area characteristics was represented.

METHOD

The European Service Mapping Schedule (ESMS) and European Socio-Demographic Schedule (ESDS) were used to describe: (i) socio-demographic and geographical area characteristics; (ii) services provided; and (iii) service utilisation in each area.

RESULTS

Great differences emerged in patterns of service provision and use between and within countries. In contrast to Northern Europe, high unemployment rates were not associated with high service utilisation rates, but areas with large numbers of single-person households tended to have high service use. Most service utilisation rates were substantially below those reported from Northern European studies. Spanish centres tended to have low rates of hospital service utilisation despite limited development of community-based services. Trieste, where there has been a strong emphasis on developing innovative community services, showed a distinctive pattern with low hospital bed use and high rates of day service use and of contacts in the community.

CONCLUSION

This methodology yielded useful data, which raise significant questions regarding equity and the implementation of mental health policy. The very large variations indicate that underlying local patterns of service provision must be investigated and taken into account in the interpretation of research evaluations of interventions.