In European countries, guidelines are important tools in quality assurance in mental healthcare. However, not all topics relevant to the quality of mental healthcare provision are covered by guidelines, e.g. due to limited availability of data and data protection constraints. Therefore, in 2008, the European Psychiatric Association (EPA) established the EPA Guidance project with a view to produce practical guidance papers on topics relevant to quality assurance in mental healthcare.

To improve the quality of mental healthcare in Europe by disseminating written information based on best evidence and psychiatric practice, especially in areas where guidelines are lacking.

To describe the current status of the EPA Guidance project.

Review of the EPA Guidance project and its Guidance documents.

EPA Guidance documents provide evidence- and consensus-based recommendations on topics relating to the quality assurance of mental health services, such as quality of mental health service structures and processes, and building trust in mental health services.

European harmonization of the quality assurance 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 to suit the needs, priorities and legislation of European constituents.

Gaebel W, Becker T, Janssen B, Munk-Jorgensen P, Musalek M, Rössler W, Sommerlad K, Tansella M, Thornicroft G, Zielasek J. EPA guidance on the quality of mental health services. Eur Psychiatry 2012 27:87–113

Gaebel W Möller H-J. European Guidance – a project of the European Psychiatric Association. European Psychiatry 2012 27:65-67