J. Gallagher et M. Teesson, Measuring disability, need and outcome in Australian community mental health services, AUST NZ J P, 34(5), 2000, pp. 850-855
Objective: This study trialled routine measurement of disability, need and
outcome in mental health services within Sydney.
Method: Fifteen community mental health clinicians with a combined caseload
of 283 patients participated in the study. The Health of the Nation Outcom
e Scales (HoNOS) was used to assess disability and outcome and the patient
and staff versions of the Camberwell Assessment of Need (CAN) were used to
assess need.
Results: The HoNOS and CAN appear to be promising contenders for routine us
e. Patients receiving assertive case management were rated as having higher
levels of disability and need than patients receiving standard case manage
ment. Significant change in outcome was demonstrated with the HoNOS.
Conclusions: To ensure the continued measurement of consumer outcome, issue
s such as staff education, training, and the development of computerised in
formation systems should be addressed.