Benchmarking mental health care in a general hospital

Benchmarking is a tool that allows practitioners to compare and measure their own performance against best practice. Two trusts took a joint approach to benchmarking mental health in a general hospital. They set up a benchmarking comparison group, whose members explored the six elements of the mental health benchmark and identified examples of best practice. The group then scored practice and compared scores. Finally, guidance sheets were produced on assessing and planning care in a general hospital for people with mental health needs. These are included as part of a mental health resource pack for each clinical area in the general hospital.