Use of outcome measures in psychiatry: Royal College of Psychiatrists’ survey of members

Journal article

Aims and method: This study sought to obtain the views of doctors associated with the Royal College of Psychiatrists on the use of outcome measures in mental health services. An online survey was developed by the College’s working group on outcome measures and widely disseminated to psychiatrists through College channels. Results: In total, 339 completed responses were received. Respondents were mostly consultant psychiatrists; based in England; and working in the National Health Service with working-age adults. Almost half said they used outcome measures routinely, with almost half finding outcome measures clinically useful. Lack of time and inadequate information technology systems were identified as the top barriers to using outcome measures. Clinical implications: Based on our results, psychiatrists are generally keen to use outcome measures, but are often prevented from doing so effectively by pressures on services and lack of appropriate support. The Royal College of Psychiatrists and other relevant organisations could enhance the use of outcome measures in mental health services through improved guidance, providing additional resources and integration of measures into electronic patient records.

Authors: Ryland, H; Bhattacharya, R; Richardson, J

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Royal College of Psychiatrists
• Journal: BJPsych Bulletin
• Pages: 1-8
• Publication date: 2026-01-26
• Acceptance date: 2025-12-16
• DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2025.10210
• EISSN: 2056-4708
• ISSN: 2056-4694
• Language: English
• Keywords: Clinical outcome measures; health informatics; mental health services; quality improvement; electronic health records