Assessment instruments: standardization of the European Service Mapping Schedule (ESMS) in Spain

Objective: To adapt the European Service Mapping Schedule (ESMS) for use in Spain and assess the quality of this schedule. Method: Following linguistic and conceptual translation, 77 services in fiv e Spanish catchment areas were described by independent local raters, inclu ding two experts in health services research. Feasibility (applicability, a cceptability and practicality), descriptive validity and overall percentage agreement were assessed. Results: ESMS feasibility was considered adequate. The tree system facilita tes reporting and comparison of data. Face, content and discriminant validi ty are adequate for almost all services. The overall reliability was high b ut completion of the service utilization section required expert supervisio n. The ESMS revealed large differences in service availability and utilizat ion in the five different areas of Spain. Conclusion: The ESMS has proved useful for describing mental health service s in Spain, and facilitates comparisons between catchment areas.