The National Mental Health Office has committed to tracking indicators measuring access to mental healthcare, such as the median treatment delay for common mental disorders.
While access is important, the quality of mental healthcare services has to be ensured. A UK study of nearly 40,000 patients from 2010 to 2013 found that an above average therapist can achieve a recovery rate of above 80% over 16 sessions, instead of close to 0% for below average therapists. The UK has also set a recovery rate target of 50% for all mental health services.
Having real-time data about the efficacy of our mental health services allows both practitioners to recognise how they are performing, and will inform the Government when developing a plan that includes standards on service quality.
I have two areas of clarification for the Minister.
First, how will the National Mental Health Office track indicators relating to the quality of mental care, which should include recovery rates and deterioration rates? Will the Office also set minimum standards of quality across the services outlined under the Tiered Care Model?
Second, can the data be made readily available in order for practitioners to use it to identify areas of strength, concern, and ultimately improve service quality?
