Collecting Routine Outcome Data in a Psychotherapy Community Clinic for Young People: Findings from an Ongoing Study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Mental Health
• Clinical Psychology
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Routine outcome data collection is crucial for evaluating psychotherapy services.
• This study examines data from a voluntary sector psychotherapy service for young people (12-21 years) in London.
• The service offers once-weekly psychotherapy sessions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the collection of routine outcome data from an ongoing audit.
• To assess the rates and trends of data collection over a 15-year period.
• To identify factors affecting data collection and propose improvements.

Main Methods:

• Utilized intake and follow-up data from a psychotherapy audit initiated in 1993.
• Included 1608 young people in the study.
• Employed measures such as the Youth Self Report Form, Significant Other (SO) version of the Teacher's Report Form, Young Adult Self Report Form, and Young Adult Behaviour Check List.

Main Results:

• Intake return rates were high (self: 94%, SO: 66%, therapist: 80%), but significantly decreased at 3-month follow-up (self: 35%, SO: 21%, therapist: 38%) and further at 6- and 12-month follow-ups.
• Significant Other (SO) report rates were consistently lower than self or therapist report rates.
• Lower intake data return correlated with higher dropout rates; however, overall intake self-report rates remained stable, while SO and therapist rates increased over time, despite a later reduction in follow-up rates.

Conclusions:

• Routine outcome data collection in youth psychotherapy is frequently compromised.
• Systematic efforts and participation initiatives are necessary to enhance follow-up data rates and quality.
• Improved data collection is vital for effective service evaluation and youth mental health care.