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Cost and impact of a quality improvement programme in mental health services

Beecham, Jennifer, Ramsay, Angus, Gordon, Kate, Maltby, Sophie, Walshe, Kieran, Shaw, Ian, Worrall, Adrian and King, Sarah (2010) Cost and impact of a quality improvement programme in mental health services. Journal of Health Services Research and Policy, 15 (2). pp. 69-75. ISSN 1355-8196

Full text not available from this repository.
Identification Number: 10.1258/jhsrp.2009.009005

Abstract

Objective: To estimate the cost and impact of a centrally-driven quality improvement initiative in four UK mental health communities. Methods: Total costs in year 1 were identified using documentation, a staff survey, semi-structured interviews and discussion groups. Few outcome data were collected within the programme so thematic analysis was used to identify the programme’s impact within its five broad underlying principles. Results: The survey had a 40% response. Total costs ranged between £164,000 and £458,000 per site, plus staff time spent on workstreams. There was a very hazy view of the resources absorbed and poor recording of expenditure and activity. The initiative generated little demonstrable improvements in service quality but some participants reported changes in attitudes. Conclusions: Given the difficult contexts, short time-scales and capacity constraints, the programme’s lack of impact is not surprising. It may, however, represent a worthwhile investment in cultural change which might facilitate improvements in how services are delivered.

Item Type: Article
Official URL: http://jhsrp.rsmjournals.com/
Additional Information: © 2010 The Royal Society of Medicine Press Ltd
Divisions: Care Policy and Evaluation Centre
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology
R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine
Date Deposited: 02 Jul 2010 15:07
Last Modified: 13 Sep 2024 22:48
URI: http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/28553

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