Systems for quality assurance in mental health services: A strategy for improvement

In this paper, we discuss the growing need for a systems-based approach to quality assurance in mental health services. This approach can provide useful information to administrators and practitioners as they endeavor to maintain or improve the quality of care provided to patients in a difficult and fluid environment. A generic model for monitoring and evaluating the quality of care is introduced, and potential barriers to its implementation are discussed. This suggested approach to quality assurance can assist mental health professionals to better meet the challenges of maintaining quality in today's rapidly changing healthcare environment.William F. Jessee, M.D., is Vice President for Education, and Gale Morgan-Williams, M.S.P.H., is Assistant to the Vice President, for the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals, 875 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611.