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Prior to nationwide implementation, the feasibility of newly developed quality indicators must be assessed. The aim of this multicenter feasibility test was an evaluation of the measurability of cross-sectoral quality indicators for depression and schizophrenia by means of routine data.The feasibility of the quality indicators was assessed in ten specialist clinics for psychiatry and psychotherapy by means of retrospective analyses of anonymous routine data. The data were extracted from the routine clinical documentation of the hospital information systems and the data from the admission and discharge sheets of the basic documentation in psychiatry (BADO) were additionally used for some clinics. Analyses were conducted for all cases of adults diagnosed with depression or schizophrenia within predefined assessment periods.In total five indicators for depression and nine indicators for schizophrenia were assessed and evaluated as measurable or measurable to a limited extent, sometimes with slight adaptations in the operationalization of the indicator. Due to variations in documentation, some indicators could not be calculated for all clinics. Most indicators could be collated with the data from the BADO.An assessment of indicators that measure quality-relevant aspects of care in depression and schizophrenia, is partially feasible by means of current routine data documentation analysis from the participating clinics. However, differing documentation methodologies in the participating clinics impeded a uniform assessment; therefore, for the implementation of nationwide minimum standards for the quality assurance of mental healthcare, a uniform cross-sectoral documentation methodology should be adapted to consensus and relevant quality indicators. The BADO appears to be a suitable instrument for this purpose.

Valid and feasible quality indicators can measure healthcare quality and show potential for improvement in care. The German Association for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy (DGPPN) has developed trans-sectoral quality indicator sets for four mental disorders with high prevalence (alcohol dependence, dementia, depression and schizophrenia).The DGPPN followed a structured multistage process and used guideline recommendations and the results of systematic evidence searches as the basis for the development of these quality indicators. This was followed by a structured consensus process for all quality indicators.Four evidence and consensus-based, diagnosis-specific and trans-sectoral quality indicator sets have been developed.It is possible to develop quality indicators on the basis of guideline recommendations. The implementation of the DGPPN quality indicators will play a crucial role in order to evaluate their utility and feasibility as quality measures for German mental healthcare.