Abstract

Diagnostic Specific Outcomes Measurement Modules

Kathryn M. Rost, M.S.W., Ph.D., Associate Professor, The Center for Outcomes Research and Effectiveness, National Institute of Mental Health Center for Rural Mental Healthcare Research and Department of Veteran's Affairs Health Services Research and Development Field Program for Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas

The health care delivery system faces continually increasing pressure to be accountable for the historically unparalleled amount of resources it utilizes to treat patients with mental health problems. This paper discusses one set of recently developed tools known as outcomes modules used to assess how treatment impacts outcomes in patients with a given disorder. These tools are currently being used to inform administrative decisions about how to improve the quality of care, and can potentially influence decisions by patients, providers and payers of care as well. The critical components of mental health outcomes modules, as well as their administration and application are described.

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