Quality in mental healthcare is a complex, multifaceted construct. It can be categorized into structures, processes and outcomes. In the past decade, there have been many initiatives on the assurance and improvement of process quality through the development, evaluation and implementation of process indicators for several important process domains including, for example, continuity and coordination of care. Moreover, outcome measurement, focusing on the extend to which intended outcomes of mental health service provision are achieved, is receiving growing interest and should be pursued through a systematic approach.

Systematic compilation of outcome domains in mental healthcare.

Identification of the full range of outcome domains in mental healthcare.

Systematic literature review on outcome domains in mental healthcare.

A whole range of outcome domains can be identified and categorized onto a continuum ranging from ‘traditional’, objective outcome domains, such as mortality and symptomatology, to more subjective outcome domains, such as quality of life and well-being. Moreover, outcome measures in different outcome domains can be assessed taking different perspectives into account, including either the provider or the patient.

In order to develop and implement systematic outcome measurement in mental healthcare, a first step is the identification and systematization of outcome domains in mental healthcare. This will provide a basis for identifying important outcome domains from the perspectives of both, patients and professionals. In a next step, appropriate and important outcome measures can be identified.