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August 21, 2025Open Access

Embedding the World Health Organization's Problem Management Plus (PM+) within Health and Integration Sectors in Switzerland

DKDharani KeyanUNSW Sydney JSJulia SpaaijUniversity Hospital of Zurich MSMatthis SchickUniversity of Zurich

Key Points

Routine delivery of Problem Management Plus (PM+) faces challenges and opportunities in Switzerland, indicating a complex implementation landscape.
The study involved interviews with 30 stakeholders including policymakers and specialists, revealing significant enthusiasm but key barriers to mental health service delivery.
Using a qualitative cross-sectional approach, the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research guided the analysis of contextual determinants impacting PM+ implementation.
Sustainability of PM+ services may be achievable through strategies like blended financing and the establishment of quality standards for non-specialist providers.

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of common mental disorders in resettled refugee populations is nearly three times higher than in the general population. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends Problem Management Plus (PM+), a brief non-specialist delivered intervention for reducing common mental disorders. To identify key factors to optimise implementation, we conducted a qualitative cross-sectional study to investigate contextual determinants shaping PM+ implementation during a nationwide scale-up of PM+ in Switzerland. Methods: We conducted in-depth key informant interviews in the German-speaking and French-speaking parts of Switzerland (September 2023 and January 2025). Design and analysis of interviews was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Themes were added both inductively and deductively and categorised into challenges and opportunities for wide-spread PM+ service delivery. Findings: We interviewed 30 stakeholders: 12 policymakers, 5 government leaders, 5 specialists and implementers, and 8 non-specialist peer-providers. Whilst stakeholders were enthusiastic about the value of PM+, several limitations to its routine delivery were noted. These related to limited quality standards and control for non-specialist delivered interventions that prevented formal categorisation within the health system. Endorsement by professional associations including best-practice standards was thought to facilitate such formalised recognition. Prioritising mental health indicators within Cantonal integration programs was perceived to facilitate funding via the national integration agenda. All stakeholders pointed towards blended co-financing pathways to ensure to the longer-term sustainability of PM+ in Switzerland. Interpretation: The routine delivery of PM+ within health and integration systems presented substantial challenges and opportunities. Longer term sustainability of PM+ may be feasible with blended financing, tailored Cantonal health and integration agendas, and established quality control standards for PM+ delivery that included formal recognition of non-specialists within the mental health system.

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