Measuring quality of care in psychiatric emergencies: construction and evaluation of a Bayesian index

A study was done to evaluate the quality of psychiatric care using a Bayesian index. The Bayesian statistical methodology was patterned to predict a second panel's judgement quality and quality-related patient outcome, give an accurate measurement procedure and identify changes in patterns of emergency department practices. It was shown that the Bayesian quality index is valid and reliable in the determination of the quality of emergency psychiatric care.
A primary purpose of emergency medical service systems is to ensure that the needs of the emergency victim are matched with the appropriate form of care, and to do so [...]