Validation of a Problem-Focused Nomenclature

Evaluation of the Computerized Assessment System for Psychotherapy Evaluation and Research (CASPER) as a Measure of Treatment Effectiveness With Psychiatric Inpatients

“…The diversity of problems identified by different patients in the same diagnostic category demonstrates the importance of considering individual problem areas when evaluating and planning treatment. In fact, previous research has supported the notion that combining information about diagnoses and target problems predicts treatment response better than either source of information alone (Longabaugh, Fowler, Stout, & Kriebel, 1983). Future research should examine the relations between problem areas identified by patients on the CASPER and problems addressed in patients' treatment plans.…”

Identification of target complaints by computer interview: Evaluation of the computerized assessment system for psychotherapy evaluation and research.

“…clearly needed. Longabaugh et al (1983) andMcCullough (1982) have already provided evidence that problem information is useful and affects such important factors as treatments planned and therapy outcome. The impact of different levels of information provided by the CASPER system remains to be demonstrated.…”

“…Interview questions and target complaints included in the computer interview were derived from a content analysis of other instruments and presenting complaints of psychiatric inpatients and day hospital patients (Longabaugh et al, 1983; McCullough et al, 1984). Item analyses in the present study indicated that these items displayed a number of desirable properties.…”

“…Additional studies examining the utility of this computer interview, particularly studies to determine its sensitivity to treatment effects and impact on improving service delivery, are clearly needed. Longabaugh et al (1983) and McCullough (1982) have already provided evidence that problem information is useful and affects such important factors as treatments planned and therapy outcome. The impact of different levels of information provided by the CASPER system remains to be demonstrated.…”

Matching treatment focus to patient social investment and support: 18-month follow-up results.

“…The details of patient recruitment and the patient population are presented elsewhere (Longabaugh et al, 1993). Criteria for study inclusion were that the patient (a) be at least 18 years old, (b) have sufficient functioning to be treated in an outpatient setting, (c) have a positive score on the Alcohol Impairment Index (Armor, Polich, & Stambul, 1978), and (d) have alcohol abuse or dependence listed as a problem to be treated on the problem list of the patient's problem-oriented medical record used at this medical facility (Fowler & Longabaugh, 1975;Longabaugh, Fowler, Stout, & Kreibel, 1983). Of the 279 patients who met the criteria for study inclusion and who gave informed consent to participate in the research protocol, 229 patients (82%) completed the baseline assessment and were randomized to treatment condition.…”