Exploring the use of individualised patient‐reported outcome measures in eating disorders: Validation of the Psychological Outcome Profiles

Abstract

Rationale: Psychotherapies for eating disorders (EDs) are routinely assessed using standardised patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). PROMs have been criticised for their lack of patient centeredness and clinical utility. The Psychological Outcome Profiles (PSYCHLOPS) is an individualised PROM that allows patients to specify their own outcomes. Aims: (1) To validate the use of the PSYCHLOPS in ED treatment, and (2) to identify patient concerns beyond those measured by common ED PROMs. Methods: Two hundred and seventy-eight emerging adult patients, presenting with a first-episode ED (aged 16-25, illness duration <3 years) completed the PSYCHLOPS and two standardised ED PROMs (the EatingDisorder Examination Questionnaire [EDE-Q] and the Clinical Impairment Assessment Questionnaire [CIA]) at four time points across 12 months. Psychometrics of the PSYCHLOPS were assessed quantitatively against the EDE-Q and CIA. Content analysis assessed unique patient concerns identified by PSYCHLOPS. Results: The PSYCHLOPS had adequate to good psychometric properties. A total of 53.3% of participants reported a concern not addressed by the EDE-Q or the CIA, the most common being depression/anxiety, academic problems, treatment concerns and disturbed sleep. Discussion: PROMs can be complemented by the PSYCHLOPS to identify problems specific to an individual's context. As ED patients are typically ambivalent about change, understanding their concerns is vital in building motivation for change.

Exploring the relationship between clinical and personal models of recovery in anorexia nervosa: A mixed methods study

“…Whilst previous research recommends that BMI should be used in combination with psychological and behavioural indices, the results of this study go further in suggesting that clinicians should consider additionally adding personal recovery tools to support a more holistic exploration of what recovery means to an individual (Bardone‐Cone et al., 2010). For example, Kenny & Lewis' (2023) proposed recovery model includes a worksheet to aid clinicians in exploring their proposed domains with patients, and there is some research highlighting the benefits of using individualised goal‐based measures of treatment outcomes in this population (Austin et al., 2020). Finally, given the poor agreement between self‐defined and clinically defined recovery identified in this study, particularly regarding understandings of partial recovery, clinicians should be sensitive and consider curiosity around the fact that their understanding of their patient's recovery status may not be shared with that individual.…”

“…Research has also highlighted that the clinical model of recovery may not capture components of illness and recovery that are personally valuable to patients (Ashworth et al., 2009; de Vos et al., 2017). A recent study found that when patients receiving treatment identified their own outcomes, over 50% of the sample identified a valued outcome not covered by existing service measures (Austin et al., 2020).…”

The First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders ‐ Upscaled study: Clinical outcomes

“…The Psychological Outcome Profiles (PSYCHLOPS) is an individualized outcome measure used to evaluate function and wellbeing (Ashworth et al, 2004 ). Examples of patient generated outcomes in this cohort include “commit to my studies,” “get a good night's sleep,” and “take care of my son.” The PSYCHLOPS has been validated for use in ED care (Austin et al, 2021 ).…”

“…Examples of patient generated outcomes in this cohort include "commit to my studies," "get a good night's sleep," and "take care of my son." The PSYCHLOPS has been validated for use in ED care (Austin et al, 2021).…”

Patient reported outcome measures (PROMS) and patient reported experience measures (PREMS): Measuring outcomes in pelvic venous disorders

“…The Psychological Outcomes Profile (PSYCHLOPS) is another such validated i-PROM that has been used to measure the outcomes of psychotherapies in patients with eating disorders [10].…”