Simple Methods for Enhancing Patient Outcome in Routine Care: Measuring, Monitoring, and Feedback

Abstract

While highly effective, psychotherapy outcome studies suggest 5‒14% of cli- ents worsen while in treatment and that therapists are unable to identify a substantial portion of such cases. Methods to systematically track client mental health functioning over the course of treatment and adjust treatment through the use of problem-solving tools are described. We summarize meta-analyses of the effects of a feedback system in- dicating that the number of psychotherapy patients who deteriorate can be cut in half. We conclude with a series of practice implications, including that clinicians seriously consider making formal methods of collecting client feedback a routine part of their dai- ly practice.