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Review
. 2009 Jul;22(4):363-8.
doi: 10.1097/YCO.0b013e32832c9162.

Beyond outcomes monitoring: measurement feedback systems in child and adolescent clinical practice

Susan Douglas Kelley  1 , Leonard Bickman
Affiliations
Review

Beyond outcomes monitoring: measurement feedback systems in child and adolescent clinical practice

Susan Douglas Kelley et al. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2009 Jul.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To review the literature published during the past year relevant to identifying the best measures for monitoring progress in the treatment of child and adolescent clients and their families.

Recent findings: The current literature shows an increasing focus on clinical utility in measure development as demonstrated by the recent emphasis on evidence-based assessment. However, there is very little research on how the inclusion of monitoring might enhance clinician practice and ultimately youth and family outcomes. There is great promise in expanding our thinking beyond mere outcome measurement to a measurement feedback system that provides timely feedback that is comprehensive and concurrent with treatment.

Summary: Investment in the development of measurement feedback systems is needed to enhance clinical judgment and increase effectiveness of treatment. Clinical utility and consumer appeal need to be key considerations for measures intended to be used in everyday clinical practice. Most importantly, we must harness the power of technology and advances in measurement to provide clinicians with the tools to use effectively the systematic data provided through frequent measurement with measurement feedback systems.

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References

    1. Bickman L. A measurement feedback system (MFS) is necessary to improve mental health outcomes. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 2008;47(10):1114–9. Review of Measurement Feedback Systems (MFSs) with a focus on barriers to adoption. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Block J. The Q-Sort in Character Appraisal: Encoding Subjective Impressions of Persons Quantitatively. Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association; 2008. Subjective impressions in clinical psychology; pp. 93–104.
    1. Garb HN, Lilienfeld SO, Fowler KA. Psychological assessment and clinical judgment. In: Maddux JEW, Barbara A, editors. Psychopathology: Foundations for a contemporary understanding. 2. New York, NY, US: Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group; 2008. pp. 103–24. Chapter that reviews assessment from a broad perspective, including both structured methods (e.g., self-reports, structured interviews) and clinical judgment.
    1. Bickman L. Why Don’t We Have Effective Mental Health Services? Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research. 2008;35(6):437–9. Editorial on the need for MFSs in mental health care reform. - PubMed
    1. Wigton RS. What do the theories of Egon Brunswik have to say to medical education? Advances in Health Sciences Education. 2008;13(1):109–21. While this article was written for health care practitioners, the author’s findings are relevant to educating mental health clinicians through the discussion of judgment and decision-making research. - PubMed

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