Psychotherapists’ Experience with In-Session Use of Routine Outcome Monitoring: A Qualitative Meta-analysis

Routine outcome monitoring (ROM) has become an increasingly utilized tool in therapeutic practice that has the potential to improve therapy outcomes. This study aimed to synthesize the findings of existing qualitative studies investigating how clinicians use ROM in their work with clients. A systematic search of qualitative studies on clinicians’ experience with the use of ROM in mental health services was conducted via PsycInfo, PsycArticles, Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. Qualitative meta-analysis was used to synthesize the finding of the primary studies. Forty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. The analysis resulted in 21 meta-categories organized into six clusters, namely (1) obtaining clinically relevant information, (2) adapting treatment, (3) facilitating communication, (4) enhancing the therapeutic relationship, (5) facilitating change in clients, and (6) personalized usage of ROM. The meta-analysis revealed that clinicians utilized ROM in diverse ways, including both informational and communicational functions. From the clinicians’ perspective, ROM was an element that, on the one hand, introduced additional structure and standardization in treatment and, on the other hand, allowed for greater flexibility and tailoring of treatment.