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Outcome-Based Behavioral Healthcare

Quality of care and services are hallmarks of a modern-day healthcare industry. Similar to the other healthcare facilities, behavioral healthcare services also strive for quality. One of the challenges faced in measuring quality is measuring the outcome of services.

Outcome-based service is a relatively new concept. For the most part, therapists, for instance, would judge the success of treatment based on individualized, and subjective clinical notes. Although this might be good for individuals receiving therapy, it does not really help the therapist understand the most efficient form of therapy with the best outcome. However, this understanding is essential when trying to manage the cost, quality, and access of the behavioral services (the hallmarks of managed care).

What are the challenges faced (at least three) while measuring outcomes for psychotherapy? Which among these challenges do you think is the most crucial, and why?

Research any two models of psychotherapy and examine the procedures, especially the time frames and expected outcomes from that therapy. Which, in your opinion, would be a better choice as an outcome-based therapy? Why? Justify your answers with appropriate research and reasoning.

Code of Ethics

Many healthcare professions have codes of ethics describing the type of behavior and practices to adhere to when providing services to psychiatric patients. The American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association are two professional organizations which outline specific ethical codes in their publications.

The American Psychiatric Association has published the principles of medical ethics with annotations especially applicable to psychiatry (The principles, 2001), approved, and supported by the American Medical Association. You can review the content of these publications by searching the Internet using the keywords “American Psychiatric Association: Resources/Standards.” The American Psychological Association published their code of ethics in 2003. You can review the content of this publication by searching the Internet using the keywords “APA ethics.”

Review each code of ethics to determine the major similarities and differences between the two. What is the purpose of these codes of ethics from a consumer's point of view? Support your answer with relevant examples.