M A Nugter1, V J A Buwalda. 1. Afdeling Onderzoek en Monitoring, GGZ NHN, Postbus. a.nugter@ggz-nhn.nl
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Routine outcome measurement or monitoring ROM has attracted worldwide attention largely as a result of developments in the field of quality care and scientific research. AIM: To provide insight into the significance of ROM for Dutch mental health care. METHOD: We consulted scientific literature on the following subjects: research and its applicability for clinical practice, quality improvement, ROM instruments and their implementation. RESULTS: ROM means that the outcomes of treatment and care are measured routinely as part of the plan-do-check-act cycle aimed at quality improvement. Measurement instruments are selected on clinical, scientific and practical grounds. ROM can be used in four main ways: for the treatment of individual patients, for the testing of policy, for benchmarking and for research. With regards to the implementation of rom, a combined top-down, bottom-up approach is preferable to an entirely top-down or bottom-up approach. CONCLUSION: ROM can help to improve the quality of mental health care because it involves the standardized use of outcome measures and comprehensive databases.
BACKGROUND: Routine outcome measurement or monitoring ROM has attracted worldwide attention largely as a result of developments in the field of quality care and scientific research. AIM: To provide insight into the significance of ROM for Dutch mental health care. METHOD: We consulted scientific literature on the following subjects: research and its applicability for clinical practice, quality improvement, ROM instruments and their implementation. RESULTS:ROM means that the outcomes of treatment and care are measured routinely as part of the plan-do-check-act cycle aimed at quality improvement. Measurement instruments are selected on clinical, scientific and practical grounds. ROM can be used in four main ways: for the treatment of individual patients, for the testing of policy, for benchmarking and for research. With regards to the implementation of rom, a combined top-down, bottom-up approach is preferable to an entirely top-down or bottom-up approach. CONCLUSION:ROM can help to improve the quality of mental health care because it involves the standardized use of outcome measures and comprehensive databases.