Effects of Routine Feedback to Clinicians on Mental Health Outcomes of Youths: Results of a Randomized Trial

Results of a randomized trial affirm accumulating evidence from research with adults: patients improve faster when their symptoms and functioning are routinely measured and their clinicians receive feedback from the frequent assessments. Objective:A randomized cluster controlled trial tested the hypothesis that weekly feedback to clinicians would improve the effectiveness of home-based mental health treatment received by youths in community settings. Methods:Youths, caregivers, and clinicians at 28 sites in ten states completed assessments of the youths' symptoms and functioning every other week. Clinicians at 13 sites were provided with weekly feedback about the assessments, and clinicians at 15 sites received feedback every 90 days. Data were collected from June 1, 2006, through December 31, 2008. Intent-to-treat analyses were conducted with hierarchical linear modeling of data provided by youths, caregivers, and clinicians. Results:Assessments by youths, caregivers, and clinicians indicated that youths (N=173) treated at sites where clinicians could receive weekly feedback improved faster than youths (N=167) treated at sites where clinicians did not receive weekly feedback. A dose-response analysis showed even stronger effects when clinicians viewed more feedback reports. Conclusions:Routine measurement and feedback can be used to improve outcomes for youths who receive typical home-based services in the community. (Psychiatric Services 62:1423–1429, 2011)