Choosing an Evidence-Based and Culturally Relevant Outcome Measure
Mental Health Assessment: Choosing an Evidence-Based and Culturally Relevant Outcome Measure
Evidence-based practice increasingly determines which mental health treatment centers receive government funding to serve consumers and implement programming. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a government agency nested within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with the mission of advancing the behavioral health of the nation (SAMHSA, n.d.). SAMHSA provides resources regarding evidence-based programming from the auspices of the US government - the very entity which evaluates and funds programs. It is therefore, the most logical course of action to choose an outcome measure from the entity that will ultimately evaluate the outcomes of a mental health treatment center.
A manual-based program with the procedures listed would be the best way for an organization to conduct an evaluation for its first time. SAMHSI commissioned the Human Services Research Institute to create a kit for evaluating client progress called "Measuring Psychosocial Rehabilitation Outcomes." This packet has consumer self report surveys to measure change in numerous domains, including surveys for financial status, legal status, hospitalizations, basic demographics, and a more extensive consumer survey form that covers topics such as self-efficacy and rapport with staff. Examples and instructions in the client evaluation kit suggest administering pre- and post-treatment surveys in order to compare scores on the surveys for client progress. The manual also describes how to check each survey instrument for validity; for example, the hospitalization survey can be compared to hospital records to determine how accurately the consumer reports his history.
Results would be written up as a research study with a pre- and post- treatment design using a repeated measures t-test and reported in the mental health agency's annual report or published in a peer reviewed journal, and results included in grant applications. All consumers will be anonymous, and no details will be released that would make any individual identifiable. The kit states that administering numerous instruments often minimizes problems of cultural bias, and the questionnaire can be interpreted by community volunteers for consumers' needs. A staff reflective of the ethnic composition of the consumers it serves is another way to minimize this barrier.
References
Brown, N. (2009). Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders Evidence-Based Practices (EBP) KIT. Retrieved December 11, 2014, from http://store.samhsa.gov/product/Integrated-Treatment-for-Co-Occurring-Disorders-Evidence-Based-Practices-EBP-KIT/SMA08-4367
SAMHASA. (n.d.). About Us. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved December 11, 2014, from http://www.samhsa.gov/about-us
SAMHASA. (2014.). TIP 59: Improving Cultural Competence. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved December 11, 2014, from http://store.samhsa.gov/product/TIP-59-Improving-Cultural-Competence/SMA14-4849
The Research Committee of the International Association of Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services (1995). Measuring Psychosocial Rehabilitation Outcomes. Evaluation Center at Human Services Research Institute. Retrieved December 11, 2014, from http://www.hsri.org/publication/measuring-psychosocial-rehabilitation-outcomes
