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International Journal for Quality in Health Care Advance Access originally published online on October 19, 2009
International Journal for Quality in Health Care 2009 21(6):415-420; doi:10.1093/intqhc/mzp048
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© The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press in association with the International Society for Quality in Health Care; all rights reserved

Improving the quality of mental health care

M. Funk1, C. Lund2, M. Freeman3 and N. Drew1

1 Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
2 Mental Health and Poverty project. University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
3 Department of Psychology, University of Stellenbosch, Johannesburg, Gauteng 2198, South Africa

Objective. To develop international guidance for improving the quality of mental health care in low- and middle-income countries.

Design. A panel developed recommendations based on a comprehensive literature review, consultation with over 100 experts from 46 countries and an analysis of international best practices.

Recommendations. A 5-pronged approach to improving the quality of mental health care is recommended. Quality improvement requires the alignment of policy and legislation with the attainment of good quality mental health outcomes. Key partners must be brought into the quality improvement process. Funding can be an important tool for promoting good quality but needs to be correctly aligned to meet policy objectives and to promote evidence-based interventions. Accreditation procedures and quality standards need to be carefully developed and resources allocated for their implementation. Finally, quality improvement must be brought into routine service management and delivery.

Conclusions. Through a systematic approach to quality improvement, it is possible to ensure that the best possible interventions are provided within the constraints of each country and that the rights and well-being of people with mental disorders is optimally promoted. Quality improvement is not a luxury but an integral part of ensuring that the best possible services are provided to all who need them.

Keywords: quality, mental health, standards, accreditation

Address reprint requests to: M. Funk, Mental Health Policy and Service Development (MHP), Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse, World Health Organization, 20 Avenue Appia, CH-1211 Genève 27, Switzerland. Tel: +41-22-791-3855; Fax: +41-22-791-4160; E-mail: funkm{at}who.int

Accepted for publication September 13, 2009.


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