background Routine outcome monitoring (rom) is a method for the systematic monitoring of treatment-progression. Because rom data are collected regularly and systematically, we believe it should be possible to use these data in clinical epidemiological research.
aim To describe, on the basis of publications of the Leiden Routine Outcome Monitoring Study, a number of potential research topics in which rom data can play a role.
method We used rom data of patients referred, between 2004 and 2009, to secondary or tertiary care for treatment of a mood, anxiety or somatoform disorder.
results We describe three cross-sectional studies and one prospective study in which we aimed to identify predictors of outcome.
conclusion These studies demonstrate clearly that it is feasible to use rom data to supplement clinical epidemio­logical research done on patients. Together these findings can be a useful addition to data derived from randomised clinical trials.