Applying behaviour change theory to understand the barriers to implementing routine outcome monitoring

Routine outcome monitoring (ROM) is a valuable tool for monitoring client progress and pre-empting deterioration, however, there is considerable variation in how data are collected and recorded and uptake in clinical practice remains low. The aim of this study was to develop a self-report measure of practitioner attitudes to ROM in order to better understand the barriers to successful implementation in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

An anonymous survey was completed by 184 CAMHS practitioners in the United Kingdom. The survey was designed using the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation Model of Behaviour (COM-B). Practitioners who reported using ROM frequently in their clinical work (53%) were compared to those who used ROM infrequently (47%) across dimensions of the COM-B survey subscales.

Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the proposed four-factor structure, showing acceptable model fit, with high factor loadings and good reliability for all subscales. Frequent users of ROM exhibited significantly higher psychological capability, physical opportunity, social opportunity, and motivation, compared to infrequent users F (4, 140) = 14.76, p < .0001; Pillai's Trace = .297, partial η²  = .30. Results highlight several barriers to ROM, including the belief that there is not a strong evidence base for ROM, not receiving external training, and not discussing feedback and outcome data in supervision.

In the hope of improving the successful implementation of ROM, this research provides an evidence-based tool for assessing practitioners' attitudes to ROM, which map on to intervention functions and represent targets for future implementation efforts.

The value of routine outcome monitoring (ROM) as a means to measure client progress and to elevate the efficiency and quality of mental health care is well-documented in the research literature, however, uptake in practice remains relatively low. This study applied behaviour change theory to develop a psychometrically sound self-report measure of practitioners' perspectives and practices to understand the barriers to implementation in child and adolescent mental health services in the United Kingdom. The complex and multifaceted nature of the barriers to implementation requires multilevel behaviour change strategies at the client, clinician, and organisational level. Recommendations for practice include the need for integrated, multilevel strategies aimed at improving practitioners' capabilities and motivations, strong organisational leadership and a culture of data gathering and sharing, and implementation interventions, which are tailored to target local barriers.