Routine Outcome Monitoring With Feedback

Routine outcome monitoring [ROM] with collaborative client feedback helps improve outcomes and reduce drops outs in psychotherapy. ROM with feedback involves session by session monitoring of client progress using standardized measures, and may include measurement of the therapeutic alliance. Results are shared with the client and yield moderate improvement with clients whose progress is not on track. ROM is used in many countries but has not, as yet, impacted U.S. social work practice. ROM with feedback is best implemented with strong administrative support and takes some learning and adjustment for practitioners. This article examines two models of ROM with feedback in detail, notes how they differ from earlier efforts to link research with practice, identifies several implementation issues, and practice implications.