title: Aligning measurement-based quality improvement with implementation of evidence-based practices.
abstract: Two models for improving quality of care have been adopted by segments of the US mental healthcare system. Measurement-based quality improvement (MBQI) is routinely conducted by many provider organizations (including practices, hospitals and health plans), either at their own initiative or at the behest of payers and oversight organizations. Systematic implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs) is being undertaken by several state mental health authorities and by other systems of care, working in collaboration with services researchers and stakeholders. Although they are distinct approaches, MBQI and EBP implementation (EBPI) overlap in their objectives and means. This article explores the degree to which these two approaches are aligned and whether further coordination between them could yield greater effectiveness or efficiency.
authors.affiliation: Center for Quality Assessment and Improvement in Mental Health, Tufts-NEMC's Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies, NEMC #345, Boston, MA 02111, USA. rhermann@cqaimh.org
authors.forename: Richard C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Hermann
authors.forename: Jeffrey A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: James L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Zazzali
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lerner
mesh_terms: D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D017598:Efficiency, Organizational; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D017146:Models, Organizational; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011635:Public Health Administration; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000379:methods*; D014481:United States