A mens' meeting place: quality and service effectiveness

An audit on quality and service effectiveness at a community mens' meeting place located in Kwinana, Western Australia, was undertaken using the tools for reviewing mental health services, in accordance with the 1997 National Standards for Mental Health Services. A psychologist collected data, throughout a six-week period, using client and chart assessment. A total of 36 consumers, four counsellors and the coordinator were interviewed, both formally and informally. The questions asked reflected the specific criteria related to each standard. Following a review of the results a detailed follow-up and feedback plan was developed, with the suggestion to implement and review organisation specific policies and practices using the 360-degree cycle of monitoring, assessing, taking action, follow-up and feedback.