Output standard in the mental health service of Reggio Emilia, Italy. Methodological issues

Abstract

SummaryObjective – The project Output Standards of the Mental Health Department (MHD) of Reggio Emilia is set out to define outputs and quality standards and to guarantee transparence and to facilitate organizational improvement. Methods – The MHD started an interprofessional working group that defined theMHD outputs as long as process, quality peculiarities, indicators and standards for each output. The MHD Director validated the group results. Results – The MHD defined 9 outputs and its indicators and standardsand consequently modified its data registration system, the way to supply free and partially charged servicesand budget indicators. As a result, a new instrument for management and quality control has been provided. Conclusions – The A. maintains that to define outputs, indicators and standards will allow to compare several services of the Department, get them omogeneous and guarantee and improve quality.