Beyond outcomes monitoring: measurement feedback systems in child and adolescent clinical practice.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature published during the past year relevant to identifying the best measures for monitoring progress in the treatment of child and adolescent clients and their families.


RESULTS
The current literature shows an increasing focus on clinical utility in measure development as demonstrated by the recent emphasis on evidence-based assessment. However, there is very little research on how the inclusion of monitoring might enhance clinician practice and ultimately youth and family outcomes. There is great promise in expanding our thinking beyond mere outcome measurement to a measurement feedback system that provides timely feedback that is comprehensive and concurrent with treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Investment in the development of measurement feedback systems is needed to enhance clinical judgment and increase effectiveness of treatment. Clinical utility and consumer appeal need to be key considerations for measures intended to be used in everyday clinical practice. Most importantly, we must harness the power of technology and advances in measurement to provide clinicians with the tools to use effectively the systematic data provided through frequent measurement with measurement feedback systems.
Center for Evaluation and Program Improvement, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37203, USA.
Susan Douglas
SD
Kelley
Leonard
L
Bickman
D000293:Adolescent; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D030141:Feedback, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D007318:Inservice Training; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010552:Personality Assessment; D011361:Professional Competence; D011594:Psychometrics