During talk therapy sessions, it is not always easy to track a patient’s progress due to a number of inhibitors. For example, patients may not be comfortable sharing their honest frustrations with their counselor, which results in a low-quality mental health service. Therefore, it is essential to have data-driven systems in place where healthcare professionals can ensure the progression of their patients by addressing issues as they arise.
The Outcome Rating Scale and the Session Rating Scale are two methods that have been used for decades as the gold standard for measuring patient progress in therapy. By presenting patients with diverse numerical scales, they are able to communicate their needs with their therapist in an impersonal way.
At MyOutcomes, we provide clinicians with the tools they need to accurately monitor outcomes and patient progress in therapy. Continue reading to learn about the data-driven methods of measurement that we use as a part of our platform.
The Outcome Rating Scale (ORS) is one of the most effective methods of measuring one’s progress in therapy. This scale measures the overall progression of the patient’s mental health as a result of regular therapeutic sessions. This is done by dividing the patient’s self assessment into four categories - individual, interpersonal, social, and overall progress.
By posing the question of how therapy has affected the patient’s individual well-being, providers can gain insight into their ongoing thought processes. Through interpersonal and social rating scales, it is possible to assess the effects that therapy is having on the patient’s close relationships and day-to-day interactions with the world around them. Finally, the overall scale gives therapists an idea of whether or not their approach needs to be adjusted based on the patient’s personal experience.
With MyOutcomes, patients are automatically prompted to complete their ORS self-assessment immediately after each session. This can be done in under one minute, providing healthcare providers with valuable information. Furthermore, clinicians can access analytical resources which track the changes in patient outcomes over time. This makes it easy for counselors to keep their patients on an upwards trajectory.
Beyond the general therapeutic methods used to treat the patient, progress can not be achieved without a healthy patient-counselor relationship in place. The session rating scale is a response to this, and has been used for many years to assess patient satisfaction in relation to their therapist. As previously mentioned, it can be stressful for patients to voice their concerns directly to their provider, let alone request a new therapist. The Session Rating Scale prevents these uncomfortable conversations by providing the healthcare professional with clear data. If the patient does not feel they are benefitting from sessions due to their relationship with the therapist, providers can either suggest a change in their approach or recommend another healthcare professional.
Like the Outcome Rating Scale, the Session Rating Scale is broken down into four unique components - relationship, goals and topics, approach or method, and overall progress. By requesting an honest rating of the general patient-therapist relationship, providers can attempt to strengthen these bonds as necessary. Rating the goals, topics, approach, and method gives the therapist more specific insights into what is working for the patient and what is not. As with the Outcome Rating Scale, MyOutcomes provides clinicians with comprehensive, data-driven analytical tools to track patient progress in therapy.
Are you looking to implement a new method of measuring patient progress? Data-driven resources are by far the best way to encourage patients to share their honest assessments. If you are interested to learn more about our technology, do not hesitate to contact us and set up a consultation.
