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Views of Mental Health Care Consumers on Public Reporting of Information on Provider Performance

Dr. Stein and Dr. Kogan are affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, and with the Department of Research, Evaluation, and Outcomes, Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, Pittsburgh. Dr. Essock is with the Departments of Mental Health Services and Policy Research, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, and the New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City. Ms. Fudurich is with the Quality Department, Community Care Behavioral Health Organization. Send correspondence to Dr. Stein, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, One Chatham Center, Suite 700, Pittsburgh, PA 15260 (e-mail: steinbd{at}upmc.edu)

OBJECTIVE: This qualitative study examined consumer preferences regarding the content and use of provider performance data and other provider information to aid in consumers' decision making. METHODS: Focus groups were conducted with 41 adults who were consumers of mental health care, and discussions were transcribed and analyzed with standard qualitative research methods. RESULTS: Consumers supported trends toward enhancing information about providers and its availability. Several key themes emerged, including the need for easily accessible information and the most and least useful types of information. CONCLUSIONS: Current efforts to share provider performance information do not meet consumer preferences. Modest changes in the types of information being shared and the manner in which it is shared may substantially enhance use of such information. Such changes may help consumers to be more informed and empowered in making decisions about care, improve the quality of the care delivered, and support the movement toward a more recovery-focused system of care.

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