OBAS-ATT: observation-based instrument for assessment in art therapy with traumatised women

Background Art therapists need specific instruments to measure treatment outcomes. The development of assessment instruments for special purposes, such as measuring key elements of the therapeutic process, is a growing and important area of research. Standardised instruments can help to compare and contrast data, and this may contribute to the development of the discipline.Aims The aim of this research was to design a new, process-oriented instrument that can help art therapists assess the therapeutic progress of the treatment for women who have suffered traumatic experiences. The instrument was called Observation-based Assessment Art Therapy Trauma Tool (OBAS-ATT).Methods The preliminary design of the tool was based on observation instruments and the analysis of the psychological scales commonly used with the target group. The first version of the tool was submitted to a panel of experts as part of a Delphi study to reach consensus on the content of the tool. Then, a focus group was held to improve tool usefulness.Results The final result is a structured template composed of 50 items organised in 11 dimensions that helps to collect qualitative and quantitative data.Conclusions The designed tool is an interesting starting point for developing useful and standardised tools. Experts participating in the study highlighted the importance of combining qualitative and quantitative data.Implications for practice/policy/future research This tool can help art therapists gather organised information and evaluate the patient therapeutic process, which should improve practice in the field. Further research is required to determine inter-rater reliability and the psychometric properties of the scales.Plain-language summary This article proposes a new observation tool in the art therapy field that can help to assess the therapeutic progress of patients who have experienced traumatic situations. Research into art therapy assessment is a growing area of knowledge, as art therapists need tools designed specifically for art therapy. Tried and tested forms of assessment can help to demonstrate the effectiveness of art therapy. They can lead to art therapy being considered an optimal approach for trauma treatment.The designed tool is a template to help art therapists gather key information related to what happens during the art therapy session. The art therapist rates observation items expressed on a scale of 1–6 and has the option of adding observations. Two different groups of individuals with expertise in this field were consulted about the content of the tool. The Delphi method and focus group technique were used.Although further research is required to validate the tool, this instrument can help art therapists to organise information and assess therapeutic progress. Also, it is a potentially interesting starting point for developing effective assessment.