WHO EURO project on adults with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities living in institutions in the European Region
The WHO EURO project on adults with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities living in institutions in the European Region targets a highly marginalized, vulnerable group whose quality of life, human rights and re-inclusion in society are seriously compromised by outdated, often inhumane institutional practices. The specific objectives of the project were to address gaps in knowledge about the number and characteristics of such long-term institutions and to identify deficiencies in current care standards through the lens of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Implementation
In phase 1, a survey was administered in the 32 participating countries by focal points nominated by their ministries of health. The findings were used to construct a regional profile of the current ownership, management and inspection of institutions and the demographic, clinical and other characteristics of the resident populations.
In phase 2, QualityRights assessments were conducted in 75 facilities in 25 Member States throughout 2017. See the report “Mental health, human rights and standards of care: Assessment of the quality of institutional care for adults with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities in the WHO European Region” for details of the main findings of the assessments.
In phase 3, key national actors from 15 countries are receiving QualityRights capacity building via face-to-face workshops and the QualityRights e-training Foundational course in Mental Health, Human Rights and Recovery in order to address the gaps identified during the assessment phase, and to promote quality and rights within the services. To find out more about the WHO QualityRights training resources and opportunities click here