Implementing routine outcome measures in child and adolescent mental health services: from present to future practice
Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Published online on March 02, 2012
Abstract
Background
Routine outcome measurement (ROM) in CAMHS is supported by U.K. Government policy. However, little is known about how measures are used in practice.
Method
Data describing use of ROM, knowledge and attitudes regarding implementation were collected using a regional case‐note audit, online survey and stakeholder workshop.
Results
While the principle of ROM was supported by stakeholders, baseline and follow‐up outcome measurement occurred in less than a fifth of cases. Barriers to implementation included lack of training and resources, clinicians' perceptions of the limitations of existing measures and lack of regular feedback of outcome data.
Conclusions
Implementation of ROM may be facilitated by session‐by‐session measures with immediate feedback to clinicians and patients.