The OutProFeed project is a research initiative developed through the collaboration between the University of Bergamo (project lead), Politecnico di Milano and the University of Palermo, with the aim of understanding whether and how innovative practices already well established internationally could be adopted within the Italian psychotherapy context. The project was funded under the PRIN 2022 programme of the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR).
At the heart of the initiative are two approaches: Routine Outcome Monitoring (ROM) and Feedback-Informed Therapy (FIT). ROM involves the systematic collection of data on therapy outcomes to understand whether the therapeutic pathway is working, while FIT uses patient feedback during the process to guide therapeutic decisions and support a more collaborative dialogue in sessions.
Internationally, these practices have been shown to improve therapy outcomes and strengthen patient-centred care. In Italy, however, their adoption is still limited, mainly due to the high level of professional autonomy among therapists and the fragmentation of services.
Within this context, the contribution of Politecnico di Milano, in particular the Department of Management Engineering, focused on analysing the role of digital technologies as an enabling tool, complementing the clinical expertise of the partner universities with expertise in innovation, organisation, and digital system implementation. The aim was not only to assess the clinical effectiveness of ROM, but also to understand how digital tools can be practically integrated into psychotherapists’ daily work.
The project analysed a digital platform designed to simplify data collection, including questionnaire administration, results visualisation, and structured feedback delivery. Usability analyses showed that digital solutions can reduce administrative workload and provide faster access to information useful for clinical practice. At the same time, some challenges emerged: certain features require closer alignment with therapists’ working methods, and particular attention is needed in how data are shared with patients to avoid misunderstandings or unintended effects on the therapeutic relationship.
The main results of OutProFeed were presented and discussed during the final event, held on 9 February 2026 via live streaming. The event provided an opportunity for exchange between researchers and practitioners. Dr Antonino La Tona (University of Bergamo) presented clinical evidence on ROM and FIT and their implications for the Italian context. The results were then discussed by Prof Angelo Compare (University of Bergamo), Prof Gianluca Lo Coco (University of Palermo), and Prof Franco Del Corno (Association for Research in Clinical Psychology).
A second session focused on the role of digital technologies, with a presentation by Dr Mattia Olive (Department of Management Engineering, Politecnico di Milano), who discussed findings related to the usability of digital solutions and implementation processes. The discussion was enriched by contributions from Prof Cristina Masella (Department of Management Engineering, Politecnico di Milano) and Dr Jennifer Colombo, psychologist and trainee psychotherapist. The closing reflections, delivered by Prof Laura Parolin (University of Milano-Bicocca) and Prof Valentina Di Mattei (Order of Psychologists of Lombardy), opened a broader discussion on the future use of data and digital technologies in psychotherapy.
The project highlights the need for targeted implementation strategies that take into account differences between clinical approaches and training contexts. In particular, it underlines the strategic role of psychotherapy training schools in supporting the adoption of these practices. Some therapeutic approaches, which are more accustomed to structured tools and measurement, tend to perceive ROM as more consistent with their clinical model. Others show greater resistance, often linked to concerns that standardisation could interfere with the complexity of therapeutic work. In these cases, implementation requires tailored support, appropriate language, and dedicated spaces for discussion.
OutProFeed therefore shows that digital technologies can support the effectiveness of psychotherapy only when embedded within clear action priorities: targeted training, adaptation of tools to different clinical practices, and active involvement of professionals throughout the change process. From this perspective, digital innovation becomes a shared pathway, capable of valuing the diversity of therapeutic approaches and supporting the evolution of clinical practice.