EPA-1463 – EPA Guidance and the Future of European Psychiatry

Abstract

Introduction

The European Guidance project provides a series of guidance documents on topics related to quality of mental healthcare and prevention of mental disorders, for which evidence- and consensus-based guidelines are currently lacking.

Objectives

To provide information on good clinical practice by using problem solving examples, guidelines and quality standards of care to national societies, health authorities and practitioners; to address healthcare gaps and give advice on developing research programs.

Aims

To describe the development of the European Guidance.

Methods

Review of the Guidance project and its future activities.

Results

The ‘EPA Guidance on the quality of mental health services’ provides evidence- and consensus-based recommendations on optimal structures and processes of European mental health services. In a structured process, the retrieved evidence is used as a basis for formulating recommendations.

Conclusions

The EPA Guidance recommendations may be implemented in European countries as a tool for improving the quality of mental health services. For internationally valid recommendations, high-quality multinational research would be warranted.

Considering the multinational nature of the European Union and the increasing role of regional constituents, harmonization of the quality of mental healthcare may be advanced on a supranational level with the help of the European Guidance. Its recommendations may be adapted to national or regional conditions in order to suit the needs, priorities and legislation of the respective European constituents.