Outcomes management has received considerable attention in the
literature on mental health services delivery. However, relatively little
practical information is available on how to implement an outcomes
management system in the mental health care setting. The authors review
seven key issues that must be addressed in planning such a system:
involving senior organizational leaders in ownership of the project,
securing the support of clinicians and patients, selecting personnel to
operate the system, choosing outcomes assessment instruments, developing
data collection procedures, selecting techniques for data management, and
using the data to improve outcomes. Ultimately, an outcomes management
system is intended to generate data that can be used to stimulate
discussion, to guide clinicians in tailoring treatments, and to identify
efficient treatment approaches.
Abstract Teaser