MidWest Clicinicans Network | Behavioral Health Vital Signs: The Case for Measurement-Based Care
Consider these scenarios in patient care:
Question to PCP: "How do you know if Mr. Smith’s blood pressure is improving?"
PCP’s answer: "We check it at every visit and make adjustments as needed."
Question to BHP: "How do you know if Mr. Smith’s depression is improving?"
BHP’s answer: "Well, he seems to be crying less in session."
Unlike medical care, where regular measurements guide treatment decisions, behavioral health (BH) often lacks consistent use of Measurement-Based Care (MBC). MBC involves repeated measurement of symptoms over time, providing valuable data to assess progress and adjust interventions.
Why Use MBC?
Research shows MBC improves outcomes, enhances patient-clinician communication, and increases patient engagement. By providing real-time, “BH vitals,” it helps identify when treatment isn’t working and allows for timely adjustments. MBC also facilitates access to care by defining treatment endpoints, crucial in specialty mental health settings where capacity is limited. Finally, MBC fosters interdisciplinary communication and reduces clinician burnout.
How to Implement MBC
Use reliable, user-friendly Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMS) like the PHQ-9 or GAD-7, and follow a “Collect, Share, Act” process:
Collect: Explain MBC’s purpose, administer the tool(s), and collect the data routinely throughout treatment.
Share: Discuss results and ask if they fit patients’ experience, review trends.
Act: Collaborate on treatment planning using PROM results, the BHP’s clinical judgment and patients’ feedback to guide the course of care.
While concerns about “assessment fatigue,” time management constraints, and other potential barriers exist, MBC enhances – not replaces – clinical judgment and is most effective when integrated thoughtfully into care
Revisiting the Scenario
Question to BHP: "How do you know if Mr. Smith’s depression is improving?"
BHP’s MBC Answer: "His PHQ-9 scores show steady improvement, and he agrees his symptoms and functioning are improving."
MBC can be utilized effectively in both integrated and specialty mental health settings. It transforms behavioral health care by providing actionable, measurable insights that benefit patients, clinicians, and organizations alike.
To learn more about MBC implementation, integrated workflow optimization, and additional presentation and training topics, contact Dr. Gedeon here.
Dr. Stacey R. Gedeon is a health psychologist with over 25 years of clinical and leadership experience within healthcare settings. She is the founder of SRG Healthcare Consulting & Professional Coaching, PLLC (srghcc.com).
