Measuring outcomes in psychiatry: an inpatient model

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Psychology
• Health Services Research
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• Baptist Memorial Hospital implemented a pilot test of the PsychSentinel outcome measurement system in its psychiatry department.
• The 78-bed unit aimed to provide data for program evaluation, marketing, accreditation, and research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the PsychSentinel system in measuring psychiatric patient outcomes.
• To assess the system's utility for internal evaluation, external marketing, and meeting accreditation requirements.

Main Methods:

• The PsychSentinel system, based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) criteria, was piloted over 15 months.
• It assesses changes in psychopathology symptoms from admission to discharge, incorporating risk adjustment and a national reference database.
• Data collection involved trained ancillary staff, allowing flexible physician involvement.

Main Results:

• The pilot test demonstrated that the PsychSentinel system met all of the hospital's initial objectives.
• The system proved to be time-effective and cost-effective in providing outcome information.

Conclusions:

• Baptist Memorial Hospital adopted PsychSentinel as an ongoing measure for quality patient care in its psychiatry department.
• The system provides valuable outcome data at both program and clinician levels.