Implementing outcomes management systems in mental health settings

• Published in: Psychiatric services (Washington, D.C.) Vol. 48; no. 3; pp. 364 - 368
• Main Authors: SMITH, G. R, FISCHER, E. P, NORDQUIST, C. R, MOSLEY, C. L, LEDBETTER, N. S
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC American Psychiatric Publishing 01.03.1997; American Psychiatric Association
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Data Collection - methods; Humans; Information Management - methods; Medical sciences; Mental health; Mental Health Services - standards; Organization of mental health. Health systems; Outcome Assessment (Health Care) - organization & administration; Personnel Management - methods; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Social psychiatry. Ethnopsychiatry; Total Quality Management - methods; Total Quality Management - organization & administration; United States; North America; America; Human; Description; Offer; Treatment efficiency; Quality; Mental disorder; Evolution; Health service; Public health; Care
• ISSN: 1075-2730; 1557-9700
• DOI: 10.1176/ps.48.3.364

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.