Implementation of the Australian National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards

Abstract

Objective: Following the release of the Australian National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health (NSQDMH) Standards in November 2020, our objective was to ensure effective implementation of the Standards. This included the development of an accreditation scheme to allow digital mental health services to be formally assessed against the Standards and provide service users with an assurance of safe and high-quality services. Method: The accreditation scheme was adapted from the one used for the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards. As the digital mental health sector was largely unfamiliar with standards and accreditation, the scheme was pilot-tested with a range of service providers and further consultation took place to refine it. Results: The accreditation scheme was launched in November 2022 with support resources published to aid implementation. Conclusions: The NSQDMH Standards accreditation scheme provides an assurance of safety and quality for digital mental health service users.