Assessing the quality of mental health treatment is an increasingly important factor in planning and delivery of mental health services. Yet most currently-used satisfaction questionnaires provide only subjective impressions from consumers. Other program evaluation instruments track psychiatric symptoms or service utilization, such as how many people receive services or time spent on waiting lists.

CROS is based on research that challenges the notion of chronic deterioration of people with diagnoses of severe and persistent mental illness. Because CROS captures indices of change in hope, daily functioning, coping skills and quality of life, it reinforces the expectation that consumers gain skills and reach goals. Consumers and staff work together to understand needs, develop a treatment plan and assess progress toward goals.

Quality monitoring is integral to our system. Outstanding achievements of staff and programs can be identified and replicated. Progress can be evaluated. An essential part of the treatment regime, outcomes tracking and continuous quality improvement promote an atmosphere of learning and creativity for the entire mental health system.