ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the importance and challenges of evaluating primary care mental health (PCMH) and some of the main concepts and methodological bases that policy-makers, planners, managers and health teams should consider to better address their own local evaluation needs. It discusses some background regarding mental health integration in primary care is provided, and the need for evaluation. The chapter reviews some important concepts regarding PCMH and evaluation. It discusses theories and frameworks that are relevant for evaluating PCMH, respectively. The chapter presents some orientations for defining the appropriate evaluation focus, objectives and guiding questions, followed by a section that analyses some challenges related to evaluation design and methodological approaches. It deals with advice for decision-makers and health teams regarding practical considerations that are important for implementing an evaluation of PCMH.
