Measurement and psychotherapy - Evidence-based practice and practice-basedevidence

Background Measurement is the foundation of evidence-based practice. Advanc es in measurement procedures should extend to psychotherapy practice. Aims To review the developments in measurement relevant to psychotherapy. Method Domains reviewed are: (a) interventions; (b) case formulation; (c) t reatment integrity; (d) performance (including adherence. competence and sk ilfulness); (e) treatment definitions; (f) therapeutic alliance; and (g) ro utine outcome measurement. Results Modern methods of measurement can support 'evidence-based practice' for psychological treatments. They also support' practice-based evidence', a complementary paradigm to improve clinical effectiveness in routine prac tice via the infrastructure of Practice Research Networks (PRNs), Conclusions Advances in measurement derived from psychotherapy research sup port a model of professional self-management (practice-based evidence) whic h is widely applicable in psychiatry and medicine. Declaration of interest The Mental Health Foundation, the Counselling in Pr imary Care Trust, and the Society for Psychotherapy Research (UK) (Northern Group) have supported the work of the CORE System Group.