The value of treatment-goal themes for treatment planning and outcome evaluation of psychiatric inpatients.
BACKGROUND
The taxonomy of treatment-goal themes of the Bern Inventory of Treatment Goals (BIT-T) has shown to be a comprehensive coding system for outpatient use.


OBJECTIVE
The current study examines the value of the BIT-T for treatment planning and outcome evaluation of psychiatric inpatients.


METHODS
The 1991 treatment goals of 675 predominantly non-psychotic psychiatric inpatients were coded using the BIT-T. Ratings of goal-related changes by patients and length of stay were used as outcome criteria.


RESULTS
The BIT-T showed to be reliable and exhaustive. Distributions of goal themes are partially associated with diagnoses. Goal-related improvements as well as length of hospital stay differed depending on the themes of patients' treatment goals.


CONCLUSIONS
Coding of treatment-goal themes with the BIT-T provides researchers as well as practitioners with valuable information that goes beyond psychopathological diagnoses. This information can be used clinically for treatment planning as well as outcome evaluation.
Grosse Holtforth
Martin
M
Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy Section, University of Bern, Switzerland. grosse@ptp.unibe.ch
Reubi
Ingrid
I
Ruckstuhl
Lorenz
L
Berking
Matthias
M
Grawe
Klaus
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006040:Goals; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D013557:Switzerland / Q000453:epidemiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome