Selecting measures for use in child mental health services: a scorecard approach

Adm Policy Ment Health. 2009 Mar;36(2):112-22. doi: 10.1007/s10488-008-0203-x. Epub 2009 Jan 6.

Abstract

The implementation of evidence-based treatments in mental health services requires reliable and valid measurements to guide treatment. This study evaluated the efficiency of three caretaker-report measures of child psychiatric disorders. Data from 211 caregivers were used to assess the CBCL, the OHIO, and the SDQ. A scorecard methodology was implemented to determine the efficiency of each scale as compared to the DISC-IV. Across measures, the OHIO was optimal for assessing services need while the CBCL and SDQ provided better disorder-specific assessment. Results may improve clinical practice by providing an empirical approach to the selection of assessment tools.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child Psychiatry
  • Child, Preschool
  • Choice Behavior*
  • Connecticut
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interview, Psychological / standards*
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Mental Health Services*