Outcome assessment via handheld computer in community mental health: consumer satisfaction and reliability

J Behav Health Serv Res. 2011 Jul;38(3):414-23. doi: 10.1007/s11414-010-9229-4.

Abstract

Computerized administration of mental health-related questionnaires has become relatively common, but little research has explored this mode of assessment in "real-world" settings. In the current study, 200 consumers at a community mental health center completed the BASIS-24 via handheld computer as well as paper and pen. Scores on the computerized BASIS-24 were compared with scores on the paper BASIS-24. Consumers also completed a questionnaire which assessed their level of satisfaction with the computerized BASIS-24. Results indicated that the BASIS-24 administered via handheld computer was highly correlated with pen and paper administration of the measure and was generally acceptable to consumers. Administration of the BASIS-24 via handheld computer may allow for efficient and sustainable outcomes assessment, adaptable research infrastructure, and maximization of clinical impact in community mental health agencies.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Community Mental Health Centers
  • Community Mental Health Services / standards*
  • Computers, Handheld / statistics & numerical data*
  • Consumer Behavior*
  • Data Collection / methods
  • Educational Status
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health*
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / methods*
  • Philadelphia
  • Pilot Projects
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Surveys and Questionnaires*