Outcome Rating Scale
Access a free outcome rating scale and example. Learn how this free tool can help you evaluate an individual's perspective of change and improvement.
Fact Checked by RJ Gumban.
What is an Outcome Rating Scale (ORS)?
The is a self-report tool used to measure change. It helps healthcare professionals evaluate an individual's perspective of improvement. It can be used at various points during therapy or to track progress over a longer period.
The ORS also looks at how the individual is doing in three main domains:
- Individual functioning, including physical health, emotional stability, and daily functioning;
- Interpersonal relationships, like relationships with their family and friends; and
- Social aspects, including the quality of life they have experienced since treatment.
Dr. Scott D. Miller and Barry L. Duncan developed the ORS to help healthcare professionals better understand their patients' level of behavior, functioning, and well-being improvement. This scale can measure both short-term and long-term changes in an individual.
Another version of the ORS is called the Child Outcome Rating Scale (CORS), specifically designed for children. Similar to the original ORS, this version measures changes in children's behavior, functioning, and well-being.
To use the Outcome Rating Scale, a clinician asks their patient to rate their self-perception of change on a 0-10 scale—the individual rates how they feel now compared to how they felt before treatment. A score of 0 means no change, and 10 means they have experienced significant improvement.
Printable Outcome Rating Scale
Download this Outcome Rating Scale and assess your client’s changes and improvements.
How does this Outcome Rating Scale work?
Using this free Outcome Rating Scale template is quick and easy. Follow these steps to get started:
Step One: Download the ORS
You can get a copy of the scale using the link below. You can also download it from the Carepatron app or our resources library, which offers many templates and worksheets suitable for your practice.
Step Two: Administer the tool
Have the patient fill out the scale, rating their current state of life on a 0-10 scale. Someone else can also rate them, if necessary.
Step Three: Record and analyze results
Record the patient’s answers on the ORS and analyze their results. This will give you an idea of how much progress they have made, where they need to go, and what might need to be done differently to reach their desired outcomes.
Step Four: Secure the form
This assessment tool contains confidential patient information; make sure to store it in a secure and safe location, such as a HIPAA-compliant electronic health record (EHR) system.
Outcome Rating Scale example (sample)
We've created an Outcome Rating Scale example to help you visualize how this tool can work in real life. This sample has been filled out by a hypothetical patient struggling with depression and anxiety, providing a clear picture of the individual's progress over time. You can view the sample here or download it as a PDF for reference.
Download the Outcome Rating Scale example (sample)
When to use an Outcome Rating Scale PDF?
The Outcome Rating Scale is an invaluable tool for understanding a patient's progress during treatment. You can use it to identify areas where more work is needed. Similarly, you can utilize this tool to:
Track progress over time
The ORS is an effective tool for tracking improvement over short and extended periods. It helps you measure the impact of treatment, interventions, and lifestyle changes on a person's well-being.
Understand your patient's perspective
This tool can help you understand your patient's mindsets and consider their feelings and future expectations. With this information, you can provide more tailored support during therapy sessions.
Assess the effectiveness of your interventions
The ORS helps you to gauge whether or not your interventions are having a positive impact on an individual's life. It also allows you to compare their current state with baseline scores to assess your treatments' effectiveness.
Set realistic treatment goals
Using the ORS can help you to set realistic treatment goals for your patients. By understanding their current level of functioning, you can adjust their treatment plan and address any areas of concern.
Who can use this Outcome Rating Scale?
Most healthcare professionals can use the ORS in their practice. Specifically, this tool is beneficial for:
- Psychologists
- Psychiatrists
- Therapists
- Social workers
- Counselors
- General practitioners
- Nurses
However, the ORS may only be suitable for some patients and should only be used with those who are able and willing to provide their ratings.
Benefits of free Outcome Rating Scale Template
Our free Outcome Rating Scale template offers heaps of benefits for healthcare professionals, including:
Easy to use and understand
The simple and intuitive design of the ORS template makes it easy to understand and use. You can administer it in minutes, and there's no need for complex calculations or manual data entry.
Fully digital
This Outcome Rating Scale is entirely digital and can be used on any device. You can use it anywhere, anytime. You don’t have to worry about lugging around piles of paperwork.
Improved patient-doctor communication
The ORS encourages open dialogue between you and your patients. It allows for a deeper understanding so you can provide them with the best possible treatment and care.
Why use Outcome Rating Scale software?
Carepatron is an all-in-one practice management platform that simplifies everything from scheduling appointments to managing client records. We provide the tools you need to make your clinical practices more efficient than ever before.
With Carepatron, you can give more care and attention to your patients and their well-being. Our features help make the tedious parts of practice management effortless, freeing up time for other activities that benefit you and your patient.
Whether you’re dealing with scheduling issues, s your intake process, or documenting mental health information, Carepatron is here to help make it easier. Our team also provides support and guidance so you can be confident using the platform.
Trusted by over 10,000 healthcare professionals, Carepatron is the go-to platform for managing mental health practices. Take control of your practice’s operations and improve patient care with Carepatron today. Sign up now!
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Reference
Miller, S.D., Duncan, B.L., Brown, J., Sparks, J.A. & Claud, D.A. (2003). The Outcome Rating Scale: A preliminary study of the reliability, validity, and feasibility of a brief visual analog measure. Journal of Brief Therapy, 2, 2, 91-100.
Commonly asked questions
The child outcome rating scale (CORS) is a version of the Outcome Rating Scale designed for children. It contains questions tailored to assess young patients' progress and help identify any areas of difficulty or development.
The ORS is scored using a numerical rating system from 0-10, with 0 being 'no change' and 10 being the highest level of improvement. You can compare these scores from previous assessments to track progress over time.
The ORS measures various factors, including physical health, emotional stability, daily functioning, and interpersonal relationships. It also assesses the quality of life the patient has experienced since their treatment began.
