Client Outcome Measures

Client Outcome Measures

Client outcomes are used to measure client progress, or lack thereof, as a result of treatment. For example, if a client entered treatment to decrease his or her anxiety level, a clinician would measure the client’s anxiety level before, during, and after treatment. If a client’s scores indicate a measurable reduction in anxiety, it may be a good indication that the treatment was effective. Similarly, can scores on client outcome measures indicate the efficacy of a clinician, agency, or organization?

For this Discussion, consider whether a client’s outcome measures can, in fact, measure the efficacy of a clinician and whether client outcome measures evaluate agency efficacy. Consult the current literature to support your response.

With these thoughts in mind:

Based upon your understanding of the validity and reliability of client outcome measures, post by Day 4 a brief explanation of whether or not client outcome measures should be used to evaluate agency efficacy effectively. Then argue whether or not the outcomes measures should be used to evaluate clinician efficacy. Finally, explain one way that you might use client outcome measures in your professional practice. Use the Learning Resources and the current literature to support your response.

References:

  • Nelson-Gray, R. O. (2003). Treatment utility of psychological assessment. Psychological Assessment, 15(4), 521–531.
  • Frisch, M. B., Cornell, J., Villanueva, M., & Retzlaff, P. J. (1992). Clinical validation of the Quality of Life Inventory. A measure of life satisfaction for use in treatment planning and outcome assessment. Psychological Assessment, 4(1), 92–101.
  • Lambert, M. J., & Hawkins, E. J. (2004). Measuring outcome in professional practice: Considerations in selecting and using brief outcome instruments. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 35(5), 492–499.
  • Blais, M. A. & Baity, M. R. (2005). A comparison of two mental status examinations in an inpatient psychiatric sample. Assessment, 12(4), 455–461.
  • Gregory, R. (2013). Psychological testing: History, principles, and applications (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.