Quality assurance in the voluntary sector.
Reports on a small-scale quality assurance analysis of rural mental health drop-in centres. Within a cross-sectional research design, measures were taken of the centres' structure, process and outcome. The instruments used to take these measures were structured interviews, questionnaires and direct observation, which were applied to clients, staff and referrers. It was found that the centres achieved their objectives with considerable success, including high levels of client and referrer satisfaction. Concludes that the three centres provided a quality service which complements the formal options (i.e. NHS and Social Services). Draws implications for the extension of NHS staff roles in relation to the voluntary sector.
University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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D
Milne
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L
Gibson
D000328:Adult; D003155:Community Mental Health Centers / Q000592:standards*; D003258:Consumer Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012423:Rural Health; D013222:State Medicine / Q000592:standards; D006113:United Kingdom; D014837:Voluntary Health Agencies / Q000592:standards*