Outcomes measurement in psychiatry: a critical review of outcomes measurement in psychiatric research and practice

Gilbody S M, House A O, Sheldon T A
Record ID 32004000706
English
Authors' objectives:

The aim of this study was to explore the measurement of outcome in psychiatric research and practice, with particular reference to patient based outcomes.

Authors' results and conclusions: An outcomes movement has emerged in healthcare, which can be understood in social, political and economic terms. Outcomes measurement in psychiatric research is dominated by the measurement of psychiatric symptoms, with little reference to patient based measures. Practising UK psychiatrists rarely measure outcomes. There are substantial practical and attitudinal barriers to the use of outcomes instruments in NHS mental health services. There is little evidence to support the potential for routine outcomes measures to improve the quality of mental healthcare.
Authors' recommendations: Current mental health policy places great emphasis on the measurement of outcomes, and is likely to fail. The potential for patient based outcomes to be adopted in psychiatric research and practice has yet to be realised. The need for important research into the suitability and value of patient based outcomes measures in mental health research and practice is identified.
Authors' methods: Systematic review, survey
Details
Project Status: Completed
URL for project: http://www.york.ac.uk/inst/crd/CRD_Reports/crdreport24.pdf
Year Published: 2003
English language abstract: An English language summary is available
Publication Type: Not Assigned
Country: England
MeSH Terms
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Psychiatry
Contact
Organisation Name: University of York
Contact Address: University of York, York, Y01 5DD, United Kingdom. Tel: +44 1904 321040, Fax: +44 1904 321041,
Contact Name: crd@york.ac.uk
Contact Email: crd@york.ac.uk
Copyright: Centre for Reviews and Dissemination
This is a bibliographic record of a published health technology assessment from a member of INAHTA or other HTA producer. No evaluation of the quality of this assessment has been made for the HTA database.