The Expanding Relevance of Routinely Collected Outcome Data for Mental Health Care Decision Making

Adm Policy Ment Health. 2016 Jul;43(4):482-91. doi: 10.1007/s10488-015-0649-6.

Abstract

Evidence shows that routine outcome monitoring (ROM) and feedback using standardized measurement tools enhances the outcomes of individual patients. When outcome data from a large number of patients and clinicians are collected, patterns can be tracked and comparisons can be made at multiple levels. Variability in skills and outcomes among clinicians and service settings has been documented, and the relevance of ROM for decision making is rapidly expanding alongside the transforming health care landscape. In this article, we highlight several developing core implications of ROM for mental health care, and frame points of future work and discussion.

Keywords: Clinician effects; Mental health care services; Psychotherapy; Routine outcome monitoring.

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Competence
  • Clinical Decision-Making*
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Mental Health Services*
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care*
  • Quality of Health Care