Routine outcomes monitoring to support improving care for schizophrenia: report from the VA Mental Health QUERI

Community Ment Health J. 2011 Apr;47(2):123-35. doi: 10.1007/s10597-010-9328-y. Epub 2010 Jul 25.

Abstract

In schizophrenia, treatments that improve outcomes have not been reliably disseminated. A major barrier to improving care has been a lack of routinely collected outcomes data that identify patients who are failing to improve or not receiving effective treatments. To support high quality care, the VA Mental Health QUERI used literature review, expert interviews, and a national panel process to increase consensus regarding outcomes monitoring instruments and strategies that support quality improvement. There was very good consensus in the domains of psychotic symptoms, side-effects, drugs and alcohol, depression, caregivers, vocational functioning, and community tenure. There are validated instruments and assessment strategies that are feasible for quality improvement in routine practice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Consensus Development Conferences as Topic
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Humans
  • Mental Health Services / organization & administration
  • Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care*
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Psychotic Disorders / diagnosis
  • Psychotic Disorders / psychology
  • Psychotic Disorders / therapy*
  • Quality Improvement*
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis
  • Schizophrenia / therapy*
  • United States
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents