Quality Indicators in Community Mental Health Services: A Scoping Review

Objective: To explore quality indicators in community mental health services.

Evidence Review: The PubMed and Scopus electronic databases were searched using the keywords ("quality indicators" OR "quality measurement" OR "quality standards") AND ("community mental health" OR "community mental health services" OR "community mental health care"). No date limits were imposed, and studies were restricted to those available in English. A total of 10 studies were reviewed, comprising original research and review articles. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies investigating quality of community mental health services irrespective of study design or intervention type.

Findings: Findings revealed patient-level quality indicators (access to health care services, continuity of care, regular contact with health care providers, coordination of care, continuity of care, communication among staff, and the need for regular staff), staff-level quality indicators (minimal staff turnover, implementation of clinical and treatment guidelines, staff behavior, and regular training of staff), community-level quality indicators (comprehensiveness of support services, the level of community's understanding of mental health, involvement of local communities, and employment rates of people with mental health disorders), and structural-level quality indicators (physical facilities and their conditions, the availability of specialized treatments, and having a diverse range of services).

Conclusions and Relevance: The findings highlight the importance of assessing and improving the quality of mental health services. A thorough evaluation requires a multilevel strategy that considers various indicators, including community, staff, patient, and structural factors. By addressing these diverse variables, mental health services can enhance the quality of care provided, ultimately improving the mental health outcomes of the populations they serve.

Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2025;27(2):24r03859.

Author affiliations are listed at the end of this article.