The use of conceptual models can help to bridge the gap between research findings and policy development, illustrated here by the complex area of primary care mental health servicesThe trend is towards greater use of research evidence (especially systematic reviews) in the development of health policy. However, systematic reviews have traditionally been designed for clinical decision making, and linking such evidence to the broader perspectives and goals of policy makers is complex.1 In such cases, conceptual models are often useful. Models are abstract representations of complex areas-"inventions of the human mind to place facts, events and theories in an orderly manner." 2 We will attempt to illustrate the way in which such models can assist in the application of evidence from systematic reviews to policy, using the example of mental health care in primary care.