Introduction

The Collaborative Family Healthcare Association (CFHA) recognizes the utility and potential for Measurement Based Care (MBC) as a core feature of high-quality integrated healthcare. MBC supports optimal clinical practice, demonstrates the value of integrated care teams, and improves outcomes.

MBC is much more than simply administering behavioral health measures. Rather, it is an evidence-based, collaborative process that mirrors the well-established framework of using physical symptom monitoring (e.g., vital signs, bloodwork laboratory findings, and other physical test data) as a means of guiding care over time.

Despite research evidence, MBC is not yet fully embraced by behavioral health professionals, including those in integrated care settings. This position statement is intended to clarify and inform all members, partners, and the public regarding CFHA’s organizational stance on MBC.

What is MBC?

a. MBC is a clinical process that includes repeated measurement to monitor treatment progress and to inform collaborative treatment planning over the course of care. (1)

b. MBC entails equal emphasis on the phases of Collect, Share, and Act, which include repeated data gathering, communication/review of the data with the patient and team, and adjusting treatment based on this information. (2)

c. As a clinical process, MBC is distinct from other important healthcare concepts, such as behavioral health screening, diagnostic clarification, or program evaluation. (3, 4)

Why is MBC important?

a. There is a robust evidence base regarding the use of MBC to support optimal patient outcomes and enhance team-based care within diverse settings, age groups, and populations. (3, 5, 6)

b. The full process of MBC (Collect, Share, and Act) supports a shared decision-making framework that is inherently therapeutic, with the aim of improving treatment outcomes as well as promoting the overall wellness of individuals and populations. (2, 7)

c. MBC helps clinicians, teams, and patients to better understand when treatment adjustments may be needed, at the earliest possible indication, and assists with treatment planning and episode-of-care decisions. (1, 8, 9)

d. MBC enhances therapeutic alliance and improves culturally informed care to diverse patient groups. (10, 11)

e. MBC is considered a best practice or program requirement by many major professional associations, healthcare organizations, payors, and accrediting bodies. (12-19)

What is CFHA’s position on MBC?

a. CFHA endorses MBC as an integral component of high-quality integrated healthcare and encourages all clinicians and organizations to adopt MBC as part of routine clinical operations.

b. MBC is highly consistent with our CFHA Mission, Vision, and Values. Specifically, MBC aligns with the best possible evidence and can act as a corrective to differential treatment of culturally diverse patient populations.

c. MBC can and should be applied to all models of integrated healthcare, current or emerging.

d. Systems of care, organizations, and payors are called upon to prioritize financial investment in training programs, electronic tools, or other infrastructure to support effective implementation of MBC as part of routine care.

e. MBC implementation efforts should engage and include all relevant stakeholders within behavioral health and physical medicine, as well administrative leaders, to maximize collaboration and support successful adoption of MBC.

f. Health technology tools, such as electronic health records with embedded MBC capabilities, digital platforms for automated symptom tracking, data analytics (e.g., Artificial Intelligence), etc. will be crucial for improving efficiency and large-scale implementation of MBC.

Conclusion

CFHA believes that MBC is a critical process that guides, informs, and enhances clinical practices at all levels of integrated care systems. MBC supports optimal outcomes and interdisciplinary care of all patients in their pursuit of health and healing. As such, we call upon all individuals, teams, and organizations to support and pursue the widespread adoption of MBC in the delivery of integrated healthcare.

Authors/Contributors

Joseph Barron, Kelli Bosak, Mary Carol Campbell, Edward Jones, Brian DeSantis, David Haddick, and Neftali Serrano

References

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