Outcome measures in forensic mental health services: A systematic review of instruments and qualitative evidence synthesis

Abstract Background Outcome measurement in forensic mental health services can support service improvement, research, and patient progress evaluation. This systematic review aims to identify instruments available for use as outcome measures this field assess the evidence most common instruments, specific context, which cover multiple domains. Methods Studies were identified by searching seven online databases. Additional searches then performed 10 selected additional information on their psychometric properties. Instrument manuals gray literature was reviewed about instrument development content validity. The quality of properties summarized each based COnsensus-based Standards Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) approach. Results A total 435 different or variants identified. Psychometric extracted from 103 studies. All had a clinician reported component with only two having scales. Half primarily focused risk. No demonstrated adequate all eight COSMIN categories assessed. Only one instrument, Camberwell Assessment Need: Forensic Version, its construct validity, while none stability between groups. Conclusions Despite large number potentially available, is limited. Future research should involve patients carers ensure