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Using program theory to develop key performance indicators for child and adolescent mental health services.
1Maroondah Hospital Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Victoria.
Summary
This study uses Program Theory to develop relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. It ensures KPIs are measurable, valid, and useful for clinicians, clients, and managers.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Mental Health Services Evaluation
- Program Theory Application
Background:
- Increasing use of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in health services.
- Questionable relevance and utility of existing KPIs.
- Need for robust evaluation frameworks in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply Program Theory to model clinical care stages in CAMHS.
- To define program operations and outcomes within each stage.
- To develop criteria for selecting relevant and valid KPIs.
Main Methods:
- Modeling irreducible stages of clinical care using Program Theory.
- Defining major program operations and specifying intermediate/final outcomes.
- Applying systematic criteria (measurability, reliability, validity, utility, relevance) for KPI selection.
Main Results:
- Program Theory provides a framework to map CAMHS operations and outcomes.
- Identified key program operations and intermediate outcomes based on policy and practice.
- Established systematic criteria for selecting high-quality KPIs.
Conclusions:
- Program Theory is a valuable tool for developing meaningful KPIs in CAMHS.
- Selected KPIs are designed to be relevant and useful for all stakeholders.
- This approach enhances the utility and validity of performance measurement in mental health services.