Am J Psychiatry 1975; 132:1295-1299
Copyright © 1975 by American Psychiatric Association
Differing perspectives on mental health evaluation
G Spivack, CH St. Clair, J Siegel and JJ Platt
Small-group workshops of nonevaluators with differing interests in mental
health discussed evaluation priorities for community mental health centers.
Participants included center professionals, concerned citizens, and
funders. A majority of the participants placed high value on accountability
from a consumer standpoint and relatively low value on center management
issues and cost or equity of service delivery. Center staff were more
interested in efficiency and effectiveness, while outsiders with vested
interests were more concerned with community involvement. The authors
summarize seven role perspectives and discuss their implications for the
establishment of evaluation priorities within a center.
