Routine outcome measures in Norway: Only partly implemented

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Services Research
• Health Informatics
• Healthcare Quality Improvement

Background:

• Norway lacks a dedicated strategy for routine outcome measurement in mental health services.
• Previous efforts integrated measurement into national patient registers and quality indicators.
• Mandatory Global Assessment of Functioning scale (GAF) implementation in adult mental health services remains incomplete 15 years later.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the implementation status of routine outcome measurement in Norwegian mental health services.
• To identify barriers and facilitators for the adoption of outcome measurement tools like the GAF scale.
• To provide recommendations for effective implementation strategies.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of existing strategies and policies for routine outcome measurement.
• Assessment of the current utilization of the Global Assessment of Functioning scale (GAF).
• Review of electronic health record systems and data reporting procedures.

Main Results:

• Routine outcome measurement, specifically the GAF scale, is not widely implemented in Norwegian mental health services.
• Despite established infrastructure, a very low proportion of services use GAF in daily practice.
• Existing electronic patient records and data reporting systems present opportunities for data collection.

Conclusions:

• Successful implementation of routine outcome measurement requires a strategic approach with attention to critical phases.
• Regional health authorities are crucial for developing seamless electronic systems and fostering a culture prioritizing quality and outcomes.
• Further emphasis on systematic implementation is needed to improve mental healthcare quality.