A Cochrane systematic review of the use of patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) in the management of common mental health disorders Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs), of symptoms, social functioning, or quality of life, have been advocated as a simple, quick and inexpensive method of improving the care of common mental health disorders (CMHDs) including depression and anxiety disorders. However the potential for PROMs to improve the care and self-care of CMHDs cannot be assumed, and adopting a policy of using PROMs should be supported by evidence of clinical benefit and cost-effectiveness.
Aims of the Study
To assess the effects of routine measurement and feedback of the results of PROMs in the care of CMHDs, in (1) improving the management of CMHDs, and (2) improving the outcome of CMHDs.
Methods
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of PROMs in the care of CMHDs will be identified through searching the Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Group's (CCDANCTR) References and Studies Register, which includes OVID MEDLINE (1950-), EMBASE (1974-) and PsycINFO (1967-); and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Complementary searches will be conducted through OVID PsycINFO, the Web of Science (WoS) Science Citation Index for cited references, the World Health Organization's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, and through handsearching key journals, conference proceedings and other (non-Cochrane) systematic reviews and meta-analyses. We will also search the reference lists of retrieved studies, contact experts and trialists in the field for unpublished or ongoing studies, and search the grey literature. We will include cluster RCTs, and RCTs randomised at the level of individual patients. We will exclude non-randomised trials, uncontrolled before-and-after trials, and observational studies. Patients with any common mental health disorder will be included (including both those with formal diagnoses according to the criteria of the DSM or ICD, and those diagnosed through clinical assessment only), aged 18 and over, of both genders and all ethnic groups, in primary care, specialist psychiatric practice, and psychological therapy settings. We will exclude studies limited to child and adolescent populations, or people with learning disabilities. We will exclude trials which examine the effect of PROMs combined with more complex interventions such as case management or collaborative care. Primary outcomes will be symptoms of depression or anxiety, and adverse effects. Secondary outcomes will include changes in the process of care, social functioning, health-related quality of life, and costs.
Implications
The results may indicate to clinicians and policymakers whether PROMs are effective or not in improving the care and outcomes of CMHDs, and indicate what further research is needed.
Chief Investigator: Professor Tony Kendrick
Duration: started 1.09.2013, end date 15.06.2015
Funder: University of Southampton, NIHR, School for Primary Care research
Contact for the study: ark1@soton.ac.uk