Spain Advances Mental Health Care with New Multidisciplinary Model Amid Healthcare System Challenges
Spain introduces a new mental health care model with multidisciplinary teams amid ongoing healthcare workforce challenges discussed at a national health forum.
- • New multidisciplinary team established to develop clinical guidelines for eating disorders.
- • The care model promotes tiered treatment with increased primary care resources.
- • Fórum Salud highlighted precarious medical contracts and rising assaults on healthcare workers.
- • Discussions held on draft Law of the Statute Marco emphasizing physician roles and public-private collaboration.
Key details
Spain has launched a new multidisciplinary care model aimed at improving mental health treatment by adapting care based on the severity of conditions, particularly focusing on eating disorders (TCA). The General Directorate of Mental Health has formed the first specialized team to develop clinical guidelines and protocols, led by Joan Roca, the new assistant coordinator of mental health and addictions. This tiered approach seeks to enhance access to mental health services by increasing resources at the primary care level, allowing specialized care to focus on severe cases, thereby reducing waiting times and promoting equitable attention across the Balearic Islands.
In parallel, a recent Fórum Salud meeting convened health ministers from eleven autonomous communities to discuss the broader challenges facing Spain’s healthcare system. Participants emphasized the need to safeguard Spain's universal, public, and free healthcare model while addressing pressing issues such as precarious employment for nearly half of medical professionals, problematic remuneration systems, and a troubling rise in assaults against healthcare workers. The draft Law of the Statute Marco was debated, highlighting concerns about insufficient union dialogue and the importance of clearly defining physicians' roles within multidisciplinary teams. Additionally, the forum called for enhanced public-private cooperation to harmonize healthcare conditions nationwide.
These developments underscore Spain’s commitment to strengthening mental health care through innovative models while confronting systemic obstacles in the healthcare workforce that impact service delivery and professional well-being. Health Minister Manuela García and other leaders have stressed the need for collective responsibility to maintain social justice through a robust public health system.
This article was translated and synthesized from Spanish sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
