A new paradigm for mental-health quality and safety: are we ready?

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:: Development of a Mental Health Quality and Safety Framework with co-designed priority areas for improvement. METHOD:: A qualitative and inductive approach was utilised, including a literature search, consultations with staff and focus groups with consumers and carers. RESULTS:: Thematic analysis resulted in 32 categories, grouped into seven key themes. Combined with the evidence base, these were distilled into component parts of the Framework. CONCLUSIONS:: A change in strategy and culture is required, balancing a traditionally centralised top-down approach to health care governance and improvement, with a complementary localised bottom-up model that embeds improvement science principles involving frontline staff, consumers and carers. This Framework, that centres on patient safety and quality improvement, in combination with a corresponding cultural change, can enhance clinical outcomes, service efficiency, staff morale and staff retention rates.