Misurazione della Qualità e implementazione di un sistema di indicatori presso l'Unità Operativa di Salute Mentale di Castiglione Ravello (SA)

Aim. In this paper we analyse the assessment of quality in the Mental Health Unit at Castiglione di Ravello (SA). Methods. We will carry out a quality evaluation system through the development of a core-set of indicators for the continuous quality improvement. In particular, our activity will be devoted to verify and improve the quality and the continuity of care of patients in a Mental Health Center and, where it is possible, to monitor the results in terms of their quality of life and health. Results. The number of patients during the present year, compared to the number of last year, shows a value higher than 1 (444/289= 1.5); this could mean a fair satisfaction of patients for the service and the possibilòity to treat more patients, but at present we can not define its effective significance. This parameter may be stressed by the relationship between seriously ill patients (code 044) and the total number of patients (161/444= 0.36). Conclusion. The assessment of quality and the approach for a continuous improvement of quality through appropriate indicators will be more and more important in the future in mental health services. However, in Italy many steps forward are still needed in this direction.