Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to R R Palmer.
The proliferation of standards and quality assurance programs is posing a major problem for mental health administrators. The authors review some of these problems and emphasize the differences between cost and quality controls. They propose that quality controls be judged on their ability to improve patient care and suggest that administrators consider the establishment of quality control offices.
As a pilot project within a psychiatric residency program, two psychiatric residents conducted a six-month interviewing and data-recording course for paraprofessionals in a comprehensive community mental health center. The program benefited the paraprofessionals and the institution, but the authors feel the most important benefits were to the residents themselves. Through the project they grappled with and tested solutions to such issues as accountability, delegation of clinical responsibility, supervision of subordinates, administration, and leadership.