The importance of assessing ‘Better Access’ appropriately: Asking the right question is an essential first step

Jorm’s (2018) Better Access (BA) article highlights the urgent need for improved evaluation of publicly funded mental health interventions to ensure the prudent use of finite financial resources. Furthermore, Jorm notes that major determinants of mental health may limit treatment impact when such factors remain unaddressed.
Importantly, however, the limitations of the data acknowledged by Jorm indicate not only the extent to which his conclusions should be questioned but also a crucial area that requires immediate attention. Improvements in the data collected are required to evaluate BA appropriately.