Analysis of information on hospitalization in General Hospitals in Argentina

Abstract

Transforming the mental health care model requires robust information systems that support well-informed discussions about the progress, achievements, and challenges of implemented reforms. Globally, the World Health Organization has developed indicators for this purpose, particularly regarding mental health care in general hospitals and hospitalizations in such settings. However, data from Argentina is often missing from these global analyses. To examine the available information on mental health services in general hospitals in Argentina, a qualitative study was conducted. Six sources of both point-in-time and periodic data, spanning from 2011 to 2023 and with national coverage, were analyzed. The results reveal significant issues in the country’s mental health information systems, including low data coverage when passive data collection methods are used, and limited public access to reports and databases. The study also discusses the global indicators used for tracking mental health hospitalizations in general hospitals, and proposes alternative approaches, given their limited relevance at the local level.