Mental health quality and outcome measurement and improvement in Australia

Purpose of review This study outlines the broad approach taken in Australia to improve the quality of mental health services, including the use of performance and outcome measures along with a range of other linked quality initiatives. Recent findings The investment of Australia in a strategic national approach to mental health reform with a range of nationally coordinated quality initiatives has provided a firm foundation for continuing to engage governments, healthcare organizations and clinicians in the ongoing quest for quality and outcome measurement and improvement. Summary Australia has adopted a strategic national approach to quality and outcome measurement and improvement of mental health services despite having a federated health system involving nine governments and tiered care across public and private sectors. A range of interconnected initiatives including national plans, standards and guidelines, performance indicators and outcomes measures and benchmarking and reporting processes are the key components of this nationally coordinated system.