Measurements in Clinical Psychiatry

Measuring psychopathology is a modern and scientific development in clinical psychiatry. . This approach to psychological assessment is consistent with the principles of evidence-based medicine. Psychological assessment is, however, much more than just the data collected from psychometrically strong measures. This draft is prepared as per the requirements for developing standard of care in clinical practice in Parkwood hospital. In this draft we address some basic questions: • Is there a merit in introducing measurements in psychiatric practice in this institution? • Is it possible and feasible for patient care? Considering the first question, there is enough evidence that measurement in psychiatric practice must be introduced because its merits far outgrow its limitations. The move towards evidence based practice shall be incomplete and open to questions without introducing replicable objectivity. It not only brings evidence-based practice but also contributes to the requirements of a common language for understanding severity of mental disorders and their outcomes. As far as the second question is concerned there may be differing opinions. It is a general impression that rating scales and other measures are used mainly in research. Its significance in clinical care may be misinterpreted as research design. A clear explanation is necessary in order to enhance its acceptability so that physicians and clinicians do not hesitate using it in their day-to-day patient care. The other concern has been regarding its feasibility and necessity. It is necessary, no doubt, as indicated from requirements of todays practice. We practice in a multidisciplinary team (MDT) setting. It is expected that administering the test in both inpatients an outpatients will be undertaken by the team rather than a single individual. Physicians and clinicians can decide how and when to use these test and also which tests are most suitable for the patients. We strongly recommend that our clinicians and non-psychiatric professionals be adequately trained either in one-to-one workshop or by using an on-line training course for using psychometric tests