Data-based management for tracking outcome in private practice.

Abstract
Clement has proposed several categories of data to be included in data‐based management of clinical practice for the purpose of improving quality of patient care. His model for routine evaluation includes a proposed system for evaluating treatment outcome. An alternative system for evaluating outcome is suggested by the authors. Its presumed value Is greater efficiency in clinician (and patient) time involvement, more likelihood of contributing to the empirical understanding of therapeutic effects, and greater ease of comparison with the data produced from controlled research and from other private practitioners. Sample data are presented illustrating the value of using cutoff scores and social validation methodology to improve the quality of psycho‐therapeutic services and increase our understanding of the impacts of treatment.