This NICE guidance is the first of
its kind to assess the evidence for improving service users' experience of
health services. A number of recent government initiatives have highlighted the
importance of taking service users' views and experiences of UK healthcare
services into account, in order to improve the quality of their care - yet more
remains to be done.





This is particularly the case for
users of mental health services, many of whom have high levels of
contact with services, can experience stigma and can be detained under the
Mental Health Act. With almost a quarter of adults in England having a
diagnosis of a mental health problem, improving their experience of care is of
paramount importance.





This book examines the evidence for
and gives recommendations on how to improve the quality of mental health
services provided in seven main areas: access to community care; assessment
(non-acute); community care; assessment and referral in crisis; hospital care;
discharge and transfer of care; and detention under the Mental Health Act. It
also makes recommendations across the whole of the care pathway, with a
particular focus on improving the relationship between the mental health
service user and healthcare professional.





The book details the methodology
developed for this unique piece of guidance. An accompanying CD-ROM contains
all the data used as evidence.





The guidance is intended for all
mental health professionals working in secondary care, commissioners and
service providers.