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Outcome measurement in clinical mental health services - July 2007

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Purpose

The measurement of consumer outcomes in public mental health services is a key mental health priority for both State and Commonwealth Governments. Reporting of outcomes data to the Commonwealth is a requirement of the Australian Health Care Agreement.

The Department of Human Services is committed to improving the quality, clinical usefulness and accessibility of information on consumer outcomes for consumers, carers, clinicians and service managers. This is being done through a range of initiatives, including improved, regular reporting to services, the development of interactive web-based reports and reports that consumers may find useful.

Enhanced reporting needs to be underpinned by data that is as consistent as possible in its compilation. This circular has been developed in collaboration with sector representatives and provides guidance to the sector on DHS requirements for outcome measurement (OM).

Key Message

DHS requires all clinical mental health services to collect outcome measures using the protocol outlined in this circular.

Services are responsible for ensuring the integrity, quality and timeliness of outcome measurement (OM) data.

It is expected that OM ratings and data will be used at an individual level in dialogue with consumers and carers to inform clinical decisions and at service level for quality improvement.

Routinely offering and encouraging consumers to complete self-assessment measures is an integral part of the OM process.

Further Information

The Outcome Measurement site provides further information.