The implementation of routine outcome measures in a Tier 3 Psychological Therapies Service: The process of enhancing data quality and reflections of implementation challenges

Abstract

Background: The Newham Psychological Therapies Service (PTS) has been using the CORE System of evaluation to demonstrate effectiveness since 2004. More recently there has been the national and local drive to improve outcomes as outlined by a number of Department of Health policies and the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) initiative. Aims: This paper describes how, as a secondary care complex mental health service, we have engaged with the process of outcome measurement through complementing the usage of the CORE System with additional measures forming the service pilot minimum dataset. The process of implementation is outlined along with reflections on the challenges which the service faced in introducing outcome measurement. Findings: Engagement with outcome measurement by a service requires attention to be paid to the organisational and professional aspects and personal resonances for clinicians if it is to become established as a meaningful enterprise within secondary care services. Despite success at this task, challenges remain to the further development of this area of work.

Keywords:

• CORE
• evaluation measures implementation
• psychological therapies service

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Monton Jienpetivate for his thoughtful and helpful comments and reflections.

Notes

1. The CORE System of evaluation includes the client completed CORE OM and clinician Therapy Assessment Form (TAF) and End of Therapy form (ETF).