SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE-REVIEW - OUTCOME MEASURES FOR CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL-HEALTH-SERVICES

Background Outcome measurement is an important component of health car e service evaluation. The aim of this paper is to review child and ado lescent mental health outcome measures and identify outcome measuremen t tools for use in routine clinical practice. Method A systematic lite rature review was undertaken, using Medline and Psych Info and supplem ented by correspondence with relevant institutions and authorities in the field. The review identifies potential specific outcome measuremen t tools. These tools are evaluated using the scientific criteria of va lidity and reliability, responsiveness to change, and appropriateness of each tool's format for use in routine clinical practice. Results Th ree broad categories of outcome are identified: population outcomes, s pecific outcome and performance indicators. Nineteen specific outcome measurement tools are short-listed and compared in detail. No single t ool is suitable for use as a comprehensive outcome measurement tool in routine clinical practice. Conclusions A combination of some of the t ools short-listed will cover all the necessary outcome items. However, the increase in assessment time will reduce clinical usefulness. Furt her research is needed to modify or create appropriate outcome measure ment tools for use in routine clinical practice.