Accuracy, completeness and relevance of Department of Health returns on provision of mental health residential accommodation: A data quality audit

Abstract

Objective: To review the accuracy and coverage of Department of Health returns on provision of mental health residential accommodation. Design: Department of Health returns on provision of mental health residential accommodation in seven English Districts were compared with 'true provision' in these districts. Setting: Seven English Health Districts. Subjects: Two data sets of residential facilities with places for those with mental health problems: (a) official returns to the Department of Health compiled by Local and Health Authorities; (b) data collected by health districts using criteria defined by the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Research Unit. Main outcome measures: The completeness of the Department of Health returns and variations between districts. Results: Department of Health returns fail to identify 55% of facilities (n =130)which contain 51% of all mental health places. Of these 130 facilities not identified, 89 (68%) were omitted because they do not meet criteria for inclusion.