Feasibility, acceptability and clinical utility of the Cultural Formulation Interview: mixed-methods results from the DSM-5 international field trial

Br J Psychiatry. 2017 Apr;210(4):290-297. doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.116.193862. Epub 2017 Jan 19.

Abstract

BackgroundThere is a need for clinical tools to identify cultural issues in diagnostic assessment.AimsTo assess the feasibility, acceptability and clinical utility of the DSM-5 Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) in routine clinical practice.MethodMixed-methods evaluation of field trial data from six countries. The CFI was administered to diagnostically diverse psychiatric out-patients during a diagnostic interview. In post-evaluation sessions, patients and clinicians completed debriefing qualitative interviews and Likert-scale questionnaires. The duration of CFI administration and the full diagnostic session were monitored.ResultsMixed-methods data from 318 patients and 75 clinicians found the CFI feasible, acceptable and useful. Clinician feasibility ratings were significantly lower than patient ratings and other clinician-assessed outcomes. After administering one CFI, however, clinician feasibility ratings improved significantly and subsequent interviews required less time.ConclusionsThe CFI was included in DSM-5 as a feasible, acceptable and useful cultural assessment tool.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Culturally Competent Care / standards*
  • Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders*
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interview, Psychological / standards*
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Mental Disorders / ethnology
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / standards*