The Effect of an Office-Based Strategy on Treatment Outcome and Adoption of Measurement-Based Care Into Psychiatric Treatment at a Nonprofit, Outpatient Clinic

Abstract

Background:Measurement-based care (MBC) is a method for demonstrating performance outcomes but is rarely used in behavioral health settings despite it being an evidence-based practice. As psychiatry moves to value-based care and payment for performance, the adoption of MBC will be essential.Objective:The purpose of the study was to test proactive reporting of patient self-reported measurement tool results to providers on treatment outcomes to promote the adoption of MBC.Methods:The study entailed a mixed methods design with a pre-/post-test quantitative measurement of scores on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and a semistructured qualitative interview with providers following data collection.Results:Results showed, during the intervention period, statistically significant decreases in anxiety scores for all patients. Depression symptom decreases trended toward significance for female patients. After initial disregard for scores, all providers found a benefit to continued use of MBC.Conclusions:Identification and removal of barriers can assist in the adoption of evidence-based practices in healthcare.Implications for Nursing:Successful change can be accomplished with minor adjustments to an already-established workflow and a team approach to the process.