BACKGROUND: Outcome measurement in child and adolescent mental health services in New Zealand became mandatory in 2005 and little is known about how this is perceived by service users. AIMS: This study aimed to ascertain what service users think about routine outcome measurement in child and adolescent mental health services. METHOD: Nine semi-structured focus groups of child and adolescent service users (n=34) and family members (n=21) were held in different sites in New Zealand to determine their views on outcome measures. RESULTS: Consumers supported outcome assessment with some provisos that have important implications for clinical services: the method of collecting information is critical to acceptance; assessment should be done in the context of an established relationship with the clinician; care is needed over the timing and context of assessment, access to information and feedback of results; and measures should be brief and holistic and their limitations recognised. CONCLUSION: Service users support outcome measures but their implementation requires care and consultation.
BACKGROUND: Outcome measurement in child and adolescent mental health services in New Zealand became mandatory in 2005 and little is known about how this is perceived by service users. AIMS: This study aimed to ascertain what service users think about routine outcome measurement in child and adolescent mental health services. METHOD: Nine semi-structured focus groups of child and adolescent service users (n=34) and family members (n=21) were held in different sites in New Zealand to determine their views on outcome measures. RESULTS: Consumers supported outcome assessment with some provisos that have important implications for clinical services: the method of collecting information is critical to acceptance; assessment should be done in the context of an established relationship with the clinician; care is needed over the timing and context of assessment, access to information and feedback of results; and measures should be brief and holistic and their limitations recognised. CONCLUSION: Service users support outcome measures but their implementation requires care and consultation.
Authors: Anupa Pathak; Saurab Sharma; Allen W Heinemann; Paul W Stratford; Daniel Cury Ribeiro; J Haxby Abbott Journal: Qual Life Res Date: 2020-09-23 Impact factor: 3.440
Authors: Joanne Greenhalgh; Kate Gooding; Elizabeth Gibbons; Sonia Dalkin; Judy Wright; Jose Valderas; Nick Black Journal: J Patient Rep Outcomes Date: 2018-09-15