In the CQIC, regional stakeholders are partnering to use client feedback from the Ontario Perception of Care Tool for Mental Health and Addictions (OPOC-MHA) to identify and address opportunities to improve mental health and addictions services in communities across Ontario.

Ontario is striving towards a mental health and addictions system in which services are person and family-centred.^[1] The Ontario Perception of Care Tool for Mental Health and Addictions (OPOC-MHA) is a validated survey tool that offers clients a means of providing input on their care experience. The OPOC-MHA is being implemented in mental health, addiction and concurrent disorder services across Ontario. The goal is to standardize how client feedback is gathered and give service users a stronger voice in shaping the care system to meet their needs and expectations. To maximize the OPOC-MHA’s impact and ability to facilitate service improvement, it is necessary to embed the tool and its findings into quality improvement plans and initiatives not only at the organizational level, but also at the system level.

[1] Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. (2011). Open minds, healthy minds: Ontario’s comprehensive mental health and addictions strategy. Retrieved from http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/common/ministry/publications/reports/mental_health2011/mentalhealth_rep2011.pdf

To date, CQICs have been initiated in the South West and Champlain regions. CQIC partners include service users, direct service providers, leadership from mental health, and addiction and concurrent disorder programs. The Provincial System Support Program (PSSP) at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is facilitating the CQIC in each regional area.