Selecting self‐report outcome measures for use in family and systemic therapy. Issue 1 (16th June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Moran, Patricia
• Is Part Of: Journal of family therapy. Volume 39:Issue 1(2017)
• Page Start: 41
• Page End: 56
• Publication Date: 2015-06-16
• Subjects: self‐report outcome measures -- family and systemic therapy -- evaluation -- assessing change; Family psychotherapy -- Periodicals; 616.89156
• DOI: 10.1111/1467-6427.12082
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0163-4445

Abstract

Abstract : This article describes some of the challenges involved in the selection of self‐report outcome measures for use in family and systemic therapeutic services, and potential ways of overcoming them. It highlights factors that may undermine the demonstration of the effectiveness of services related to the characteristics of services, client groups and the measures themselves. Choosing appropriate self‐report outcome measures is particularly difficult for practitioners responding flexibly to the needs of heterogeneous client groups and those working with multiple family members. Measures need to be acceptable to both clients and practitioners, addressing constructs relevant to individual and systemic level change, and incorporating features that enhance sensitivity to client change. Possible solutions are discussed, with the aim of enabling services to make more informed choices when selecting outcome measures for use in the monitoring and evaluation of family and systemic therapy. Practitioner points: Develop a logic model to identify possible mechanisms of change and key impacts. For heterogeneous client groups, consider assessing overarching constructs or using idiographic in addition to nomothetic approaches. To enhance the chances of capturing change within a family system, use more than one instrument and ask different family members to complete them. Select measures with appropriate language, structure and length for piloting with clients and practitioners.