The clinical global impressions scale: applying a research tool in clinical practice.
OBJECTIVE
This paper reviews the potential value in daily clinical practice of an easily applied research tool, the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) Scale, for the nonresearcher clinician to quantify and track patient progress and treatment response over time.


METHODS
The instrument is described and sample patient scenarios are provided with scoring rationales and a practical charting system.


CONCLUSIONS
The CGI severity and improvement scales offer a readily understood, practical measurement tool that can easily be administered by a clinician in a busy clinical practice setting.
Busner
Joan
J
Dr. Busner is Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Penn State College of Medicine, and Clinical Manager, United BioSource Corporation, Wayne, Pennsylvania.
Targum
Steven D
SD