Accreditation Canada’s Standards for Mental Health Populations are based on:
Wagner et al’s Chronic Care Model that has been adopted in many provinces and organizations across Canada1
the Expanded Chronic Care Model developed in British Columbia2
input from an expert multi-disciplinary standards working group, and
an extensive review of research and best practice in mental health.
They are for use by health regions or by organizations with a regional mandate that manage and coordinate services for populations with, at risk for, or affected by mental illness. The standards emphasize a primary health and population-based approach to integrating mental health services across the continuum of care, from disease prevention through treatment, self-management, and rehabilitation.
Accreditation Canada has also developed standards for mental health services. Unlike the Standards for Mental Health Populations, which focus on excellence at the regional level across the continuum of care, the Standards for Mental Health Services address quality and safety at the service delivery level, focusing on care and treatment in acute or institutional settings. The two sets of standards are complementary, designed to be used together where appropriate to coordinate and evaluate the complex reality of mental health services in Canada.
These standards contain the following subsections:
Investing in mental health services
Partnering with the community
Integrating and coordinating services
Supporting clients to self-manage their condition
Basing decisions on research and evidence
Using information and information technology
Monitoring quality and achieving positive outcomes
1 Global Perspectives on Chronic Disease Management: The Calgary Conference 2005. Calgary, Alberta. September 25-29, 2005 and Innovations in Rural Chronic Care: The “Beulah Sault” Seniors Health Conference 2006. Lethbridge, Alberta. April 12-13, 2006.