Lay social workers implementing a task-sharing approach to managing depression in Vietnam

Abstract Background While depression is a leading contributor to burden of disease in Vietnam, there critical gap care due the shortage mental health specialists and extremely limited services general settings. We have previously reported effectiveness supported self-management (SSM) task-sharing intervention for depression, delivered by social collaborators (lay workers). The purpose this study was identify factors influencing delivery SSM delineate areas further attention that are relevant scale-up. Methods A hundred ten (110) key informant interviews were conducted with three stakeholder groups (patients, collaborators, experts) from eight provinces Vietnam. Participants identified through records recently completed randomized trial showed community-based settings Qualitative descriptive methods thematic analysis used examine interviews. coding framework corresponding themes developed deductively, based on findings literature, inductive analysis, describe contextual impacted collaborators’ role successfully implementing intervention. Results Our following benefits working collaborators: (1) increased awareness family community ; (2) reduced stigma (3) better understanding treatable (4) help-seeking; (5) improved access . There also significant challenges, including collaborator characteristics (age, education, pre-existing training skills) their work (roles responsibilities, training, compensation, support government). Conclusions Engaging can help fill However, several challenges an impediment engagement sustainable integration into systems need be resolved policy change regulate practice, define scope work, provide adequate remuneration.