The TELER system of Recorded Outcome Measurement for Domestic Abuse recovery – how do we know when we’re getting it right?

TELER is a system for measuring client centred recovery outcomes which has been used successfully in the NHS and adapted for use in the context of Domestic Abuse recovery in order to inform practice improvement and commissioning decisions based on measuring the effectiveness of interventions and service delivery.

It can be applied to any condition or sphere of activity, clinical or non-clinical, where the outcomes of interventions need to be measured over time.

The TELER outcomes for Domestic Abuse recovery have been developed in partnership by Humber OPCC, Preston Road Women’s Centre and HOST CIC (owners of the TELER methodology).

The system uses unambiguous statements of a client’s recovery journey which are coded to demonstrate progress or regression. These statements or indicators assess information regarding the pattern of change, or lack of, in a client’s condition. These indicator statements are articulated by the client themselves and not only do they evaluate progress towards recovery they can be used by the skilled practitioner to aid in the therapeutic recovery journey.

TELER Indicators

The TELER Indicator is an ordinal measuring scale for tracking change using six significant reference points in recovery, or codes from 0 to 5. Code 5 defines the goal of recovery and care and is agreed upon with the client. Code 0 defines the worse deficit for the client. Codes 4, 3, 2, 1 are significant steps towards the goal defined at 5.
The TELER Indicator can be used to assess whether improvements (or deteriorations) recorded by a client or a group of clients are attributable to the care received

The Domestic Abuse indicators thus far developed are based on each of the domains described by the Duluth Power and Control Wheel, an example of which can be seen below.

Title: Behaviour by the perpetrator that isolates the victim

0. My partner never allows me to see family and friends
1. My partner only allows me to see family and friends when he is present
2. My partner occasionally allows me to see friends and family without him
3. My partner allows me to see friends and family without him regularly and often
4. My partner allows me to see friends and family without him all the time
5. I see whomever I want whenever I want to

The definition of each code

• has a specific meaning
• is based on expert knowledge
• denotes a significant stage in the outcome for recovery

The difference between two successive codes

• denotes a significant change in the recovery pathway