Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

Measuring Mental Health Outcomes

This statistic may surprise you: Mental health conditions and mood disorders including depression and bipolar disease are the fourth most common reason for hospital admission among children, according to a 2009 study from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. North Star Behavioral Health, based in Anchorage, Alaska, provides treatment and services for children and adolescents struggling with mental health issues and help for families. Since 2007, North Star has used additional outcome data resources to improve the safety and quality of patient care. Children and parents complete the Columbia Impairment Scale or the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales-depending on the child's age and gender-before admission and after discharge. Two University of Alaska Anchorage psychologists evaluate pre- and post-tests and provide quarterly reports. North Star also uses a Symptom Acuity Rating Scale, developed by its director of psychology, to measure high-risk behavior, family functioning, aggression, and cognitive and social dysfunction.  "We hope to gain the ability to distinguish levels at admission for residential versus acute care, versus outpatient care," says Andrew Mayo, Ph.D., CEO. Parents with children in residential treatment report 56 percent improvement from admission to discharge. Overall, employee satisfaction and culture of safety have improved, Dr. Mayo adds. For more information, contact Laura McKenzie, QIRM director, at laura.mckenzie@uhsinc.com.