Exploring the use of individualised patient-reported outcome measures in eating disorders: Validation of the Psychological Outcome Profiles

Rationale: Psychotherapies for eating disorders (EDs) are routinely assessed using standardised patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). PROMs have been criticised for their lack of patient centeredness and clinical utility. The Psychological Outcome Profiles (PSYCHLOPS) is an individualised PROM that allows patients to specify their own outcomes. Aims: (1) To validate the use of the PSYCHLOPS in ED treatment, and (2) to identify patient concerns beyond those measured by common ED PROMs. Methods: Two hundred and seventy-eight emerging adult patients, presenting with a first-episode ED (aged 16–25, illness duration <3 years) completed the PSYCHLOPS and two standardised ED PROMs (the EatingDisorder Examination Questionnaire [EDE-Q] and the Clinical Impairment Assessment Questionnaire [CIA]) at four time points across 12 months. Psychometrics of the PSYCHLOPS were assessed quantitatively against the EDE-Q and CIA. Content analysis assessed unique patient concerns identified by PSYCHLOPS. Results: The PSYCHLOPS had adequate to good psychometric properties. A total of 53.3% of participants reported a concern not addressed by the EDE-Q or the CIA, the most common being depression/anxiety, academic problems, treatment concerns and disturbed sleep. Discussion: PROMs can be complemented by the PSYCHLOPS to identify problems specific to an individual's context. As ED patients are typically ambivalent about change, understanding their concerns is vital in building motivation for change.