Measuring mental healthcare quality in the United States: a review of initiatives.
OBJECTIVE
This review article aims to present a systematic overview of the current initiatives assessing mental and/or substance use (M/SU) healthcare quality in the United States.


RESULTS
The study found 36 initiatives incorporating M/SU indicators with efforts from the federal and state government, health plans, nongovernmental and professional organizations.


CONCLUSIONS
Although there has been much activity in recent years in the development of M/SU indicators, efforts have lacked coordination, have focused on limited areas of clinical activity, and have not been clearly linked to quality improvement activity. The study recommends that the United States government forms an entity to better coordinate efforts and address these concerns. Clinicians and provider organizations should also increase the use of already developed M/SU indicators to improve quality of care delivered.
Herbstman
Benjamin J
BJ
Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Pincus
Harold A
HA
D003695:Delivery of Health Care / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000379:methods; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D014481:United States