WHO qualityRights tool kit: Assessing and improving quality and human rights in mental health and social care facilities

Abstract

The purpose of this tool kit is to provide assistance in assessing and improving quality and human rights in mental health and social care facilities in any country, irrespective of its low-, middle- or high-income status. The five themes that form the basis of the rest of the tool kit are as follows: (i) Theme 1: the right to an adequate standard of living (Article 28 of the CRPD); (ii) Theme 2: the right to enjoyment of the highest attainable standards of physical and mental health (Article 25 of the CRPD); (iii) Theme 3: the right to exercise legal capacity and the right to personal liberty and security of the person (Articles 12 and 14 of the CRPD); (iv) Theme 4: freedom from torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and from exploitation, violence and abuse (Articles 15 and 16 of the CRPD); and (v) Theme 5: the right to live independently and be included in the community (Article 19 of the CRPD). Starting from establishing the project management team, assessment committee and assessment framework, it provides guidance regarding training of the members of the assessment committee, establishing the authority of the committee, preparing consent forms, seeking ethical approval, scheduling and conducting the assessment, preparing the report, and using the results of the assessment.