Developing a public mental health conceptual framework

This is the first of four Work Packages (WPs) in the first phase of the Public mental health (PMH) programme. The PMH programme focuses on promotion, prevention and population-wide approaches to influence positive and negative mental health outcomes. The lack of an overarching conceptual framework which reflects the current evidence and the lived experience of mental health in the population has been identified as a barrier to creating robust evidence around public mental health interventions.

The aim of WP1 is to explore and describe the existing knowledge of what underpins public mental health through academic literature searching and consultations with stakeholders. The research team will use this as a foundation to develop a conceptual framework to support the work of public health practitioners and researchers.

Three key project components

1. A ‘state-of-the-art’ review: To ensure the project builds on existing knowledge and understanding relating to PMH, the team will conduct a ‘state-of-the-art’ review of current PMH guidance, policy and conceptual frameworks including evidence of key determinants of PMH.
2. Review of grey literature: The team will review grey literature including reports, government documents, working papers, and key policy documents which discuss public mental health and identify any additional determinants that are explored in the wider literature.
3. Stakeholder consultation:The research team will conduct a series of consultations (in person and online) in order to ensure the conceptual framework includes factors that are relevant and meaningful to public health practitioners, policy makers, and the lived experience of members of the public. Individuals consulted throughout this research will be invited to join the Public Mental Health Virtual Network.