Measurement and psychotherapy. Evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence

Abstract

Background: Measurement is the foundation of evidence-based practice. Advances in measurement procedures should extend to psychotherapy practice.

Aims: To review the developments in measurement relevant to psychotherapy.

Method: Domains reviewed are: (a) interventions; (b) case formulation; (c) treatment integrity; (d) performance (including adherence, competence and skillfulness); (e) treatment definitions; (f) therapeutic alliance; and (g) routine outcome measurement.

Results: Modern methods of measurement can support 'evidence-based practice' for psychological treatments. They also support 'practice-based evidence', a complementary paradigm to improve clinical effectiveness in routine practice via the infrastructure of Practice Research Networks (PRNs).

Conclusions: Advances in measurement derived from psychotherapy research support a model of professional self-management (practice-based evidence) which is widely applicable in psychiatry and medicine.