The value of routine outcome measurement for consumers of mental health services : master or servant?

Standardized instruments have been introduced for routine use within Victorian mental health services. The aim of routine outcome measurement (ROM) is to ensure the highest standard of service delivery as demonstrated through quality and accountability processes. AIMS: The aim is to determine the extent to which ROM measure against the 12 principles of outcome measurement described by Smith et al. (1997). METHOD: The three ROM currently used in Victoria were critiqued according to the 12 principles, with the support of a review of the literature regarding outcome measurement. RESULTS: Of the 12 principles articulated, nine are not met by ROM currently used in Victoria. Only one is fully met, one partially met and one cannot be conclusively decided either way in light of current knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: ROM currently utilized in Victoria do not reflect the areas considered of most relevance and importance to consumers of mental health services. Priority should therefore be given to developing an alternative consumer-derived approach to determining the effectiveness of mental health services according to those most affected by them.