Measuring disability, need and outcome in Australian community mental health services.
OBJECTIVE
This study trialled routine measurement of disability, need and outcome in mental health services within Sydney.


METHODS
Fifteen community mental health clinicians with a combined caseload of 283 patients participated in the study. The Health of the Nation Outcome 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 use. Patients receiving assertive case management were rated as having higher levels of disability and need than patients receiving standard case management. Significant change in outcome was demonstrated with the HoNOS.


CONCLUSIONS
To ensure the continued measurement of consumer outcome, issues such as staff education, training, and the development of computerised information systems should be addressed.
Gallagher
J
J
National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
Teesson
M
M
D000328:Adult; D019090:Case Management; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009517:New South Wales; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D014505:Urban Population