A Criterion Approach to Patient Care Evaluation
GARY L. TISCHLER M.D.1, and
DONALD C. RIEDEL PH.D.2
1 Associate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, 34 Park St., New Haven, Conn. 06519
2 Professor of Public Health (Medical Care), Yale School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, 34 Park St., New Haven, Conn. 06519
The authors describe the application of a criterion-oriented approach to evaluating the quality of patient care in community mental health centers. The basic approach included a review of the care-giving process by a group of expert clinicians, formulation of criteria, their transformation into a "decision-tree" mechanism, and validation through pattern analysis and follow-up studies.
