Quality of care in mental health: The case of schizophrenia

Scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of a range of treatments for persons with schizophrenia set the stage for the recent development of evidence-based quality-of-care indicators for this disorder. On the heels of these quality indicators, research has found that treatment services for many persons with schizophrenia are inadequate. Because most of these patients receive their care under public auspices (Medicaid, Medicare, and Veterans Affairs), public health policy can exert considerable influence to address these quality-of-care problems. Publicly funded managed care could promote evidence-based care. It also could coordinate specialty and primary care to improve early detection and general medical care for persons with schizophrenia.