Evaluation in mental health services: some quality assurance models

This paper examines the context in which a concern for evaluation in mental health services has emerged. Quality assurance activities are seen as the main method of evaluating such services at the present time. A distinction is made between internal and external approaches to quality assurance and an example of each method is examined for its strengths and weaknesses. Successful quality assurance programmes are seen as being dependent on an amalgamation of these two approaches and two generic systems which adopt this method, "QUARTZ" and "Psychiatric Monitor" are considered for their strengths and weaknesses. It is suggested that evaluation strategies should be assessed for their capacity to promote organizational change. The increasing influence of the User movement is discussed.