Multilevel Predictors of Case Managers' Assessment Administration Behavior in a Precursor to a Measurement Feedback...

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Services Research
• Clinical Assessment
• Public Health Systems

Background:

• Treatment monitoring is crucial for effective youth mental health services.
• The Ohio Scales are a key assessment measure for tracking treatment progress.
• Understanding factors influencing assessment use is vital for system improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine factors associated with the administration of the Ohio Scales.
• To identify predictors of assessment use in a youth public mental health setting.
• To inform the development of measurement feedback systems.

Main Methods:

• A multi-level model was employed to analyze data from state case managers.
• Data included case manager interviews and Ohio Scale administration records over 12 months.
• The model accounted for variance at both case manager and administrative office levels.

Main Results:

• 82% of case managers administered at least one Ohio Scale.
• Lower case manager burnout and more experience predicted higher administration rates.
• Fewer active cases, younger client age, and longer time since initial assessment also predicted increased administration.

Conclusions:

• Case manager and caseload characteristics significantly influence the administration of treatment monitoring assessments.
• Findings support the integration of measurement feedback systems in youth mental health.
• Optimizing assessment administration can enhance treatment monitoring and service delivery.