The Influence of Feedback From Routine Outcome Monitoring On Treatment Outcomes

Background Feedback is an essential part of Routine Outcome Monitoring. Little is known about the effect of feedback provided to the clinician and patient during treatment. A review of the available literature about feedback given to clinician and patient on treatment outcomes in general psychiatry showed a small, almost negligible effect of the provision of feedback. However, Lambert c.s. found that giving feedback about patient-progress that deviated from the expected outcome in a psychotherapeutic setting was associated with a significant improvement afterwards. Aim To investigate the effect of feedback on treatment outcomes in a general psychiatric outpatient clinic for mood and anxiety disorders in the Netherlands. Method a field study in which more attention was paid to the implementation of feedback than usual. Clinicians were trained in interpreting treatment outcomes and explaining them to their patients. The feedback procedure was then monitored. Three groups of patients were distinguished (1) a group of patients who received obligatory protocolled feedback, (2) a group of patients of whom their clinicians voluntary could view the received feedback and had to fill in GAF and CGI scores concerning te progress of their treatment and (3) a group that received neither feedback nor GAF or CGI scores. All three groups completed relevant outcome measures. Results from the 176 patients 26 % received feedback from their clinician. Their progress was measured regularly. Even with extra attention paid to the implementation, it appears that providing feedback to the clinician and patient has little effect on treatment outcomes.