Standards for the mental health care of people with severe psychiatric disorders in South Africa: Part 2. Methodology and results

Abstract

Objective: Mental health care standards have been developed to describe what is an acceptable and adequate quality of mental health care for service users in South Africa. Part two describes the standards development methods, the range of standards developed and, as an example, the rights and protection standards domain.

Methods: a systematic literature review and broad consultation to develop a set of normative- based standards. Consultation included widespread draft document distribution/feedback, in-depth provinical workshops, and focus groups. Structually, detailed criteria and sub-criteria were developed for measurability and adequate detail in key service areas.

Results: Three types of standards were developed: core standards, standards for service delivery and for specific settings. Standards to ensure the rights and protection of varied service users within a range of contexts are described.

Conclusion: A standards document is an essential component of a quality improvement process, within the context of a supportive legislative, political and managerial framework.

Keywords: standards, mental health care, South Africa, methodology, results

South African Psychiatry Review Vol. 8(4) 2005: 146-152