Objective: To examine qualitatively the usefulness of the Mood Assessment Program (MAP) 12 months after an online version for patients was made available for access by Australian health practitioners.
Method: The MAP requires all those completing it to provide their observations on its ease of completion. In mid-2011, we also initiated a satisfaction study among current MAP referrers, with responses received from professionals (psychologists, general practitioners, psychiatrists and social workers).
Results: Feedback from nearly 10,000 patients indicated that the great majority judged the MAP as straightforward to complete. Only 9% of professionals surveyed offered judgments about the utility of the MAP and we capture their judgments.
Conclusion: Responses supported the acceptability of the MAP by patients and its utility to clinicians in relation to diagnostic and formulation issues, as well as in advancing communication between practitioners and their patients. In addition, the MAP has been shown to improve efficiency and time management in assessing those with a mood disorder.
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