ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess the applicability, interpretability and potential limitations of an adverse event screening questionnaire (the Enhancing Quality Use of Medication Self-Reported Questionnaire [EQUIM-SRQ]) in an Australian mental health outpatient population. METHOD: Questionnaires were distributed amongst two Australian adult mental health clinics for completion either at the clinic (onsite), or externally (postal option), during March-May 2011. Assistance was offered to participants completing the questionnaire onsite. Clients who were visited in their homes by clinic staff were invited to participate as external participants. RESULTS: Of 160 questionnaires distributed, 29 (18%) were completed. Of those, 22 were completed onsite, and seven were completed externally. Of the questionnaires completed onsite, 11 were fully completed, with 4 participants requiring assistance. A further 11 questionnaires were partially completed, with 2 participants requiring assistance. Of the questionnaires completed externally, 5 were fully completed. CONCLUSION: Although the response rate was low, the EQUIM-SRQ was applicable, interpretable and acceptable when completed or partially completed questionnaires were assessed. The potential exists to apply the EQUIM-SRQ in further research, and thereafter, clinical practice.
