The development of National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards

Abstract

Objective: Digital mental health services offer innovative ways for individuals to access services but are not without risk. Our objective was to develop National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health (NSQDMH) Standards that improve the quality of digital mental health service provision and protect service users from harm. Method: The NSQDMH Standards were developed by adapting the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards and adding components highlighted through a national consultation process as critical to the safety and quality of services. Further public consultation and pilot testing assisted in refining the NSQDMH Standards. Results: The NSQDMH Standards comprise three standards—Clinical and Technical Governance, Partnering with Consumers, and Model of Care—and were launched in November 2020. Conclusions: The NSQDMH Standards provide a quality assurance mechanism to improve digital mental health care in Australia.