Consumer Quality Initiatives (CQI) is a mental health consumer-operated research, evaluation and quality-improvement organization based in Massachusetts.  A primary activity of CQI is to conduct personal interviews and focus groups with people with disabilities and/or their family members using semi-structured surveys and interview guides, leading to in-depth data-driven reports. CQI utilizes a Community-based Participatory Action Research framework, with an emphasis on protocols designed to impact policy and practice directly. CQI also consults locally and nationally on achieving significant involvement of consumers in the "change" process to promote mental health systems transformation and quality improvement.

            CQI announces its search for a new Executive Director!  
Consumer Quality Initiatives (CQI), is seeking an experienced, strategic thinking, entrepreneurial, and visionary Executive Director who will help guide the organization into its next level of development. Candidates who have lived experience with a mental health condition and recovery (consumers) are especially encouraged to apply.  For the complete Position Profile and application guidelines, visit http://www.tsne.org/jobs/CQI

CQI was recognized by the National Assoc. of State Mental Health Program Directors as a best practice for "consumer involvement in evaluation of treatment services" Developing the DMH Research Agenda- Stakeholder Focus Groups This report is a collaborative effort of CQI and Dougherty Management Associates. Statewide consumer research priorities are listed herein, as well as many current mental health reearch projects taking place in Massachusetts. Our thanks to Mass. DMH for financial support and to Medical Director Mary Ellen Foti for her consistent support of community-driven mental health research. Photovoice Young Adult Project  Read More....			CQI Assistant Director, Melissa Goodman and others have published an important article on Participatory Program Evaluation:  Young Adults Value Participation, Meaningful Employment and Caring   Examining the Role of the Peer Specialist Working at a Day Treatment Program This report was completed for the Mass. Behavioral Health Partnership, based on interviews with consumers attending day programs with a peer component. We also make recommendations for future consideration.    Consumer-Led Evaluation Teams:A Peer-Led Approach to Assessing Consumer Experiences with Mental Health Services In 2009, CQI recently prepared a report for National Empowerment Center on best practices in consumer-run evaluation organizations. The report examines current consumer-run evaluation teams, identifies their core and innovative features, and presents recommendations for those planning to start a consumer-led evaluation team.