Integrating Assessment Instruments within the Diagnostic Process

Abstract

Traditionally, there has been a clear split in clinical practice between those who use structured or standardized instruments and those who do not. Nurses have a long tradition of completing a wide range of assessments and questionnaires covering a wide range of data such as mood, behavior, symptoms of mental illness and aspects of physical health. Part of the psychologist's expertise is in using complex standardized assessments of overall intellectual functioning and specific cognitive areas. In terms of the core business of making assessments of mental health, whether they lead primarily to a diagnosis, or to a wider case formulation, most assessments made by clinicians are probably unstructured. That is to say, the clinician collects the information guided primarily by expertise and by the perceived requirements of the case. The main aim of this chapter is to consider the potential benefits (and pitfalls) of using structured assessments in clinical practice and to give some guidance on how to choose them. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)(chapter)