Comparing outcomes: The Clinical Outcome in Routine Evaluation from an international point of view

Int J Methods Psychiatr Res. 2019 Sep;28(3):e1774. doi: 10.1002/mpr.1774. Epub 2019 Feb 19.

Abstract

Objectives: The Clinical Outcome in Routine Evaluation-Outcome Measure (CORE-OM) is a freely accessible self-assessment questionnaire with a total of 34 items measuring the progress of psychological or psychotherapeutic treatments according to four scales (well-being, problems, functioning, and risk). The CORE-OM originated in the United Kingdom and has been translated into 54 languages and dialects. The aim of this study is to systematically compare the translated versions.

Method: A total of 21 translations were compared using methods of systematic review and meta-analysis.

Results: The results show a certain heterogeneity between the studies; however, the 21 translations can be declared as equivalent.

Conclusion: The factorial structure could not be replicated in any of translations. Therefore, further analysis of the CORE-OM domains is recommended. In addition, some supplementary restrictions on the translation process, data collection, and reporting of results are necessary to ensure comparability and quality of CORE-OM translations.

Keywords: CORE-OM; meta-analysis; outcome measurement; translation of questionnaires.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Europe
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care / standards*
  • Psychometrics / standards*
  • Psychotherapy*