An Online Survey to Investigate Clinicians’ Use of, Attitudes Towards, and Perceived Competency Around Outcome Monitoring Practices

Abstract

In recent years, there has been an ever increasing emphasis placed on the collection and use of patient reported outcome measures (PROM) in mental health services. This emphasis stems from a culture of evidence based practice, wherein PROM are shown to improve therapeutic outcomes at the clinical level, as well as provide information for the appropriate development of services and commissioning at a national level. This study uses an online survey to explore the use of PROM by mental health staff (n=112) in various Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services across England. Attitudes toward routine outcome monitoring practices and perceived competency around PROM use were also measured. Results found that although significant numbers of staff were using PROM, the amount of data being collected falls short of policy targets. Staff’s attitudes towards the practice are shown to be ambivalent, whereas overall perceived levels of competency were reasonably good. The relationships between attitudes, competence and PROM usage are discussed and a prediction model for PROM usage is developed in light of existing psychological theory. Results showed that training played an important role in the uptake of PROM and implications for the dissemination of training programs are emphasised.