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 five Spanish catchment areas were described by independent local raters, including two experts in health services research. Feasibility (applicability, acceptability and practicality), descriptive validity and overall percentage agreement were assessed. Results: ESMS feasibility was considered adequate. The tree system facilitates reporting and comparison of data. Face, content and discriminant validity are adequate for almost all services. The overall reliability was high but completion of the service utilization section required expert supervision. The ESMS revealed large differences in service availability and utilization in the five different areas of Spain. Conclusion: The ESMS has proved useful for describing mental health services in Spain, and facilitates comparisons between catchment areas.