Shifting to a new paradigm to measure clinical outcomes.

Most clinical outcomes monitoring systems have relied on paper- and pencil-driven forms and/or interviews to collect information. The following article outlines some methodological and logistical problems inherent in these approaches, as well as describing the implementation of a ground-breaking new effort in how outcomes data are collected and analyzed. This computer-assisted interview approach can be less costly, provide more accurate information, allow for a broader range of questions to be addressed and even lead to a new paradigm for outcomes management programs--one that is practical in real-world settings and offers clinicians instant norms. Decision-makers in behavioral healthcare organizations can use the principles described here to develop systems tailored to their organizations' specific needs.