SECTION 4: FRAMEWORK FOR MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Based on international guidelines ^{[1] [2]}, this section outlines a comprehensive mechanism for monitoring and evaluation (M&E), which is also aligned with the EPIS framework discussed in Section 6. It utilizes a mixed-methods approach for data collection, verification, and analyses by integrating both qualitative (QL) and quantitative (QN) methods.

Monitoring is defined as a continuous and systematic process of data recording and targeted assessments throughout the life of the MHPSS program. The monitoring activities include tracking stakeholders’ engagement, capacity-building components, and feedback loops from both service providers and users. Similarly, evaluation is conceptualized as the systematic assessment of the MHPSS program’s achievements at various levels, such as training assessments and in-depth analyses of service provision. This structured M&E framework not only depicts the effectiveness and impact of the MHPSS model but also provides valuable insights for strategic decision-making and ensuring sustainability and scalability.

Table 7.1 presents a systematic M&E framework with distinct domains (and subdomains, where needed), corresponding indicators, and means for data collection and verification. To ensure accurate monitoring at all levels, the framework has also been organized into tiers (1–4), where needed. This tiered approach meets the specific needs of different groups of service providers (e.g., community mental health workers (Hamdard Force), clinical psychologists, primary care physicians, and specialists) by tailoring unique indicators to monitor and evaluate their performance.