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A systematic approach to practice‐based evidence in a psychological therapies service
Author(s) -
Lucock Mike,
Leach Chris,
Iveson Steve,
Lynch Karen,
Horsefield Carrie,
Hall Patricia
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
clinical psychology and psychotherapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.315
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1099-0879
pISSN - 1063-3995
DOI - 10.1002/cpp.385
Subject(s) - attrition , clinical governance , evidence based practice , service (business) , clinical practice , psychology , service delivery framework , referral , best practice , medical education , psychotherapist , medicine , nursing , alternative medicine , health care , economic growth , economy , dentistry , pathology , management , economics
This paper describes a systematic approach to generating practice‐based evidence in a United Kingdom adult psychological therapies service. Routine clinical outcomes using standardized measures at referral, assessment, the beginning of therapy, discharge and 6‐month follow‐up are reported. The system is integrated into the clinical service in many ways including contributing to risk assessment and feeding back clinical outcome data to the therapists. A number of issues related to such an approach are discussed in the light of the clinical governance and clinical effectiveness agendas in the UK NHS. These include practical constraints, the costs, getting staff on board, attrition from such services and service user involvement. Such an approach provides a framework for routine, systematic and integrated service evaluation that can be fed back to therapists. It contributes to the evidence for the effectiveness of psychological therapies in routine clinical settings and also provides opportunities to link evidence with practice in more creative ways to enhance therapists' reflection on their practice. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.