A measure for feelings - using inclusive research to develop a tool for evaluating psychological therapy (Clinical Outcomes in routine evaluation - Learning disability)

Abstract

Psychological talking therapies are increasingly being sought by people when they are experiencing emotional difficulties. This is just as important for people with a learning disability as the general population but as with other services for this population, inclusion for therapy lags behind that of mainstream services. Similarly, tools for assessing the effectiveness of therapy for people with a learning disability are often limited and do not fully take account of the impact that living with a learning disability may have on peoples' feelings and sense of well-being. It was for this reason that we, the authors of this article, a Dramatherapist and Specialist Counsellor got together with initially eight but subsequently five people with a learning disability to develop an outcome measure that would be accessible and have meaning for people with a learning disability. Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation - Outcome Measure (Evans et al. J Ment Health, 2000; 32, 144; Barkham et al. 1998) was selected as the measure to be modified and developed, as it was already a validated tool, was in widespread use across the country and was suitable for use across a whole range of therapeutic approaches. This article describes how inclusive research has been a key component in developing and psychometrically testing Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation - Learning Disabilities. Using an outcome measure that is sensitive to the needs of people with a learning disability is a vital step towards providing evidence upon which best practice may be established. © 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.