(PS5-24) Implementing Measurement-Based Care in a Group Private Practice Setting

Abstract Text:

Introduction: Measurement-based care (MBC), or the practice of utilizing client data collected throughout treatment to inform clinical decision making, is considered a core component of multiple evidence-based treatments (e.g., CBT; Beck & Beck, 2011). Research has demonstrated that MBC is associated with improved treatment engagement (Boswell et al., 2015), improved client outcomes (Fortney et al., 2017), and reduced client dropout rates (de Jong et al., 2021). Despite the well-documented benefits of MBC, available data suggests that less than 20% of therapists regularly administer symptom rating scales to their clients (Hatfield et al., 2009; Jensen-Doss et al., 2018). Research has identified best practices for implementing MBC in routine clinical practice, including providing initial training and ongoing support to staff (e.g., Lewis et al., 2020; Persons et al., 2016). The present study seeks to build upon the literature and assess if empirically informed implementation strategies can improve the utilization of MBC in a group private practice setting.

Methods: Participants (N = 15) will be master’s and doctoral level therapists working at a clinic that specializes in the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders. In line with empirically supported implementation strategies (e.g., Lewis et al., 2020), the authors have selected an electronic measurement feedback system (MFS), designed a MBC training, and dedicated staff to provide ongoing support to participants to promote MBC efforts. Prior to the training and two months following the training, participants will complete surveys assessing both individual level factors (i.e., demographic characteristics, theoretical orientation, knowledge about MBC, beliefs and attitudes regarding MBC, and current use of MBC) and organizational level factors (i.e., organizational norms and culture and training and support) associated with implementation. Previously validated measures, such as the Monitoring and Feedback Attitudes Scale (MFA; Doss et al., 2018), self-created items, and data reported by the MFS will be utilized.

Analytic Plan: Descriptive statistics and correlational analyses will be used to highlight trends in therapists’ attitudes and beliefs about MBC as well as use of MBC prior to training. At present, 14.3% of therapists are routinely administering outcome measures to their clients as measured by current engagement with the MSF. T-tests will be used to assess changes in attitudes, beliefs, and use of MBC following training.

Discussion: Barriers and facilitators related to the implementation of MBC following best practices will be discussed. Implications of findings, limitations, and future directions will be considered.