The organisation of local mental health services in Norway: evidence, uncertainty and policy

In: Evidence & policy: a journal of research, debate and practice, Band 13, Heft 4, S. 605-622

Abstract

This article addresses questions about health authorities' recommendations on the local organisation of services for people with mental health disorders in Norway. Analysis is made of the dynamic relationship between different evaluations, national guidelines and other knowledge that influence the organisation of services. The analysis is based upon documents about how recommendations by health authorities have shifted during a period of 15 years. The relationship between policy guidelines, the role of scientific evidence and practical organisational models is characterised by ambiguity and pragmatism. Some theoretical implications of these findings and uses of knowledge in different policy areas are discussed.