Assessing the outcome of community-based psychiatric care: building a feedback loop from real world health services research into clinical practice

OBJECTIVE: To describe the main characteristics of the South-Verona Outcome Project (SVOP) and to focus on its overall conceptual framework, with specific reference to the following perspectives: i) integrating evidence-based and practice-based approaches; ii) involving service professionals in routine outcome assessment; and iii) involving service users in mental health outcome assessment. METHOD: A selective literature review of methodological and empirical papers addressing the relevance and usefulness of outcome research to routine clinical practice was performed. RESULTS: Reviewed literature shows the need to integrate evidence-based and practice-based approaches and to involve service professionals in routine outcome assessment, by adopting a multiple perspective paradigm. Studies conducted in 'real world' health services indicate that the outcome of care is multifaceted and it can be perceived differently when different perspectives are taken into account. Such a complex picture can provide more comprehensive information on the effectiveness of care provided, to feed back positively into clinical practice. CONCLUSION: The SVOP design and its methodological background were demonstrated to be appropriate for a detailed and routine assessment of outcome in the 'real world' of mental health services.