The CORE system
The CORE (= Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation) was developed as a measure of outcome that is usable across the full range of individual adult psychotherapies but has been extended widely since. The name was chosen to indicate that it provides a core for change and outcome measurement, vital pips, but that the relationship and other data will always complement that core. The system comprises: a philosophy that routine change measurement can be helpful; a set of measures; computerised support and advice about ways to use data.
The instruments are all copyleft: they cannot be changed as they are copyright to a not-for-profit company, CORE System Trust, but CST make no charge for their reproduction on paper. The first instruments were the CORE-OM (Outcome Measure) and CORE-A (Assessment). The CORE-OM is a self-report measure on two sides of A4 and containing 34 items all rated on the same five level frequency rating and covering the previous seven days. The CORE-A comprises two sides of A4 for the TAF (Therapy Assessment Form) and EoT (End of Therapy) and includes therapist rating of change but most of the items set the context for evaluation of self-reported change: demographic information, previous care and therapy, and information about the therapy including number of sessions and mode of ending.
The CORE-OM spawned two short forms (SF-A/B) of 18 items for sessional use, the GP-CORE (14 items for general population surveys) and CORE-10 & CORE-5 for screening and fast sessional use. All have been translated into 20 languages by CST and that number is rising. The YP-CORE (Young Persons) for ages 13 to 17 and LD-CORE (for people with learning difficulties) have joined the CORE suite of instruments and SCORE (q.v.) is a linked development.
To get the measures, find computer support and advice, go to www.coreims.co.uk
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