Outcome measurement in New Zealand

Abstract

This paper provides a detailed description and critique of the development of routine outcome measurement (ROM) within New Zealand's mental health and addiction services. The paper will include a brief description of the New Zealand setting and the events that led to routine outcome measures, demographic and diagnostic characteristics of the population in New Zealand, characteristics of the New Zealand mental health and addictions services, a description of the outcome measures and rationale for their selection, the information collection protocol for the outcome measures, outcome data completion rates and aggregated outcome reporting uses, barriers and facilitators to the adoption of routine outcome measures in New Zealand, and current status and next steps.

Acknowledgements

Assistance in completing this article was gratefully received from Barry Welsh, Principal Advisor, Ministry of Health, New Zealand; Richard Woodcock, Manager, National Service and Information Development Team; Cara Thomas, Clinical Lead; Sima Clarke, Administrator; Keri Opai, Māori Strategic Advisor, all from Te Pou, New Zealand.

Declaration of interest: The authors are both employed in the service and information development team at Te Pou o Te Whakaaro Nui. Te Pou is a leading mental health workforce centre in New Zealand. Sandra Baxendine is an Information analyst. Apart from being employed by Te Pou the authors report no other conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.