Systematic client feedback to brief therapy in basic mental healthcare: study protocol for a four-centre clinical...

Area of Science:

• Clinical Psychology
• Health Services Research
• Psychotherapy Research

Background:

• The Partners for Change Outcome Management System (PCOMS) is a client feedback system with mixed prior study results.
• Prior research on PCOMS has yielded inconsistent findings, ranging from positive to negative effects.
• Methodological limitations in previous studies necessitate further investigation into PCOMS's efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To rigorously test the predicted beneficial impact of PCOMS on therapeutic outcomes.
• To address and account for methodological flaws identified in prior PCOMS research.
• To determine the specific circumstances under which PCOMS enhances therapy effectiveness.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial comparing treatment as usual (TAU) with TAU plus PCOMS across four centers.
• Patients in the PCOMS arm receive training, and therapists complete questionnaires on feedback-related factors.
• Multilevel analysis will examine outcomes (treatment outcome, satisfaction, costs, dropout) using the Outcome Questionnaire, Mental Health Continuum-Short Form, and Consumer Quality Index.

Main Results:

• Analysis of treatment outcomes, patient satisfaction, costs, and dropout rates between TAU and TAU with PCOMS conditions is pending.
• Therapist factors, including regulatory focus, self-efficacy, and feedback orientation, will be analyzed for their influence on PCOMS effectiveness.
• Patient feedback via structured interviews will provide qualitative insights into the PCOMS experience.

Conclusions:

• The study aims to provide definitive evidence on the effectiveness of PCOMS in time-limited treatments.
• Identifying factors that moderate the impact of PCOMS will guide its optimal implementation in clinical practice.
• Results will clarify the conditions under which PCOMS contributes positively to client outcomes and therapeutic alliance.