title: Creating an agenda for change. Quality assurance in mental health services.
abstract: Quality assurance is traditionally viewed in terms of structure, process and outcome, but ignores the fact that they coexist in day-to-day practice. Many quality assurance initiatives are based on the belief that organisational systems can be periodically improved using external experts; this can lead to a disjointed approach and alienate staff. QUARTZ is a quality assurance programme for mental health services, and encourages a collaborative, problem-solving approach among staff. Ongoing evaluation is essential to facilitate long-term change.
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Leiper
mesh_terms: D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D009936:Organizational Innovation; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care