Outcome evaluation findings: a decade of experience

Using the experience and findings of the McLean Hospital Evaluative Service Unit as a framework, this report presents an overview of outcome evaluation during the last decade and outlines some directions for future work in the field. Evaluation techniques and criteria are discussed, with particular emphasis on the effectiveness of the problem-focused approach, using patient and family perceptions of treatment and outcome. Various factors relating to successful post-hospital adjustment are enumerated, with adherence to aftercare and the presence of a strong social support system emerging as significant. In our own work, patient characteristics found to be correlated with good outcome are being older, married, or diagnosed with an affective disorder. Of the problems and symptoms explored, improvement in depression emerges as the best indicator of good mental health at follow-up.