Top Ten Things to Know About PCOMS

  • PCOMS was a SAMHSA designated evidence based practice. (SAMSHA has since shut down this registry)
  • PCOMS is a-theoretical and can be integrated into any treatment model, and applies to all diagnostic categories. PCOMS provides a cost-effective way to be evidence based across all services and clients.
  • Proof of Value: Eight randomized clinical trials (RCTs) have been conducted by researchers (B. Duncan, J. Reese, B. Bohanske, J. Sparks, M. Anker) at Better Outcomes Now demonstrating that PCOMS dramatically improves outcomes while increasing efficiency. More RCTs are anticipated.
  • An independent meta-analysis revealed that individuals using PCOMS had a 3.5 times more chance of achieving reliable change and a 50% less likelihood of deterioration.
  • The largest benchmarking studies ever conducted in public behavioral health found that PCOMS delivered comparable outcomes to RCTs of depression for both adults and youth, proving it to be a viable quality improvement strategy. In addition, a study of inpatient psychiatric services found similar results as well as reduced readmission rates.
  • Return on Investment: Studies have shown that PCOMS reduced length of stay by 40% to 50%; and cancellation and no show rates by 40% and 25%, respectively.
  • The PCOMS measures were co-developed by the CEO of Better Outcomes Now (BON), Dr. Barry L. Duncan, who also developed the clinical process of PCOMS.
  • Long before research validated its benefits, PCOMS was designed to privilege the consumer in all facets of service delivery. While client-driven, recovery-oriented, and individually tailored services are often given lip service, PCOMS operationalizes these central values in every encounter.
  • BON is the web application of PCOMS, capturing its spirit, process, and intent.
  • BON provides real time, single page views for consumers, therapists, supervisors, and administrators with unlimited data reporting capabilities

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