Issues in the assessment of outcome in mental health

Journal/Book: Aust N Z J Psychiat. 1998; 32: 54 University St, P O Box 378, Carlton Victoria 3053, Australia. Blackwell Science. 337-343.

Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this paper is to examine a number of issues in the assessment of outcome in mental health. Method: Issues are considered in terms of a number of dichotomies or choices. These include: intervention-dependent versus intervention-independent definitions of outcome, focussing on inputs or processes versus outcomes; individual versus organisational outcomes; outcomes for patients versus outcomes for significant others; pure versus mixed outcomes; care versus cure; direct versus indirect measures; objective versus subjective measures; descriptive versus prescriptive measures; global versus specific assessment; and assessing at significant times points versus assessing at fixed intervals. Conclusions: Guiding principles are formulated in terms of the foregoing issues.

Note: Editorial Trauer T, Monash Univ, Dept Psychol Med, Waiora Clin, 600 Orrong Rd, Armidale, Vic 3143, AUSTRALIA

Keyword(s): assessment; evaluation; outcome; CONCEPTUAL-FRAMEWORK; SERVICES; SCALE; LIFE; ILL; VALIDITY; QUALITY

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