The Colombo Method: A Brief, Handwritten Documentation System for Mental Health in Low-Resource Settings

Abstract

Mental health documentation is vital for clinical accountability, risk management, continuity of care, and multidisciplinary communication. Yet, note taking burdens and resource constraints, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Sri Lanka limit implementation of structured systems. The Colombo Method is a clinician-developed, rapid, handwritten note format created over 12 years in private and public practice in Colombo. It integrates key clinical domains which include patient data, risk screening (suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, self-harm, level of emptiness), treatment plan, and session content, into a single page format. Initial feedback suggests it enhances clinician efficiency and ensures crucial information is captured without having to rely on digital infrastructure. This article aims to describe its design, relevance and future directions for its empirical validation.

Keywords: Mental health documentation, Colombo Method, LMIC, risk screening, clinician efficiency