Meaningful ‘romming’ (routine outcome monitoring): seeking a balance between userfriendliness and clinical relevance
Summary
Background In the course of the last few years several rom systems have been developed in which the measurements and feedback are restricted to the therapy outcome in terms of symptom reduction. In these ROM systems the emphasis is on the user-friendliness and on the ease with which the measurements can be implemented in clinical practice. However, research shows that many therapists and clients consider that the measurement of symptom reduction is too simplistic.
aim To develop a ROM system that is therapeutically more relevant.
method We describe the development and implementation of the Leuven Systematic Casestudy Protocol.
results In this multidimensional and multimodal monitoring system the emphasis is on the therapeutic relevance of ‘romming’: not simply in terms of symptom reduction, but also in terms of processes of change and growth-orientated processes. In addition, the monitoring system takes into account the unique characteristics of client and therapist and the synergy existing between them.
conclusion Not only do therapists have to learn to deal with the practical aspects of ‘romming’, they also need to be trained and supported so that they can deal adequately with a more explicit evaluation and feedback ‘culture’.