Therapy from my point of view: A case illustration of routine outcome monitoring and feedback in psychotherapeutic interventions

Abstract

Lately, the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROM) to adapt and improve ongoing psychotherapeutic treatments has become more widespread. Their main purpose is to support data-informed, collaborative treatment decisions which include the patient's point of view on their progress. In case of nonresponse or deterioration, these systems are able to warn clinicians and guide the process "back on track" in treatment. In this case illustration, the Greifswald Psychotherapy Navigator System (GPNS) detected the deterioration of 19-year-old Sarah during the first eight sessions of cognitive-behavioral therapy for social anxiety and depression. Here, the GPNS helped the therapist gain insight as to how Sarah's social anxiety affected their treatment and adjust her strategy accordingly. Using the symptom curves and progress scales of the GPNS, the therapist was able to then address her patient's struggles in detail during their sessions and with her supervisor. After adapting her therapeutic approach, the patient's deterioration could be averted while simultaneously strengthening their communication in the process. Clinical implications and the benefits of using PROM systems for evidence-based personalization of psychotherapy are presented.