Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS)

What is it image

What is it?

Information
  • HoNOS assesses mental health and social functioning.
  • Evaluates 12 areas to determine need severity.
  • Practitioners score each area after assessing users.

Here's more detail

Published: 29/08/24

Description

The HoNOS (Health of the Nation Outcome Scales) is a tool used by practitioners to assess the mental health needs and the social functioning of individuals aged 18 years and over, with tailored versions available for children, adolescents, older adults and forensic populations.

It evaluates 12 key areas, including behaviour, cognitive issues, symptoms, and social factors, on a scale from 0 (no problem) to 4 (severe problem). These scores help practitioners determine the severity of a person’s mental health needs, monitor changes over time, and guide treatment decisions and planning to ensure effective care.

HoNOSca

Voice

Using HoNOS as a clinical rated outcome measure allows clinicians to build a picture of service users’ needs across a range of areas.

- Healthy London Partnership, 2019

https://www.transformationpartners.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/HoNOS-Analytical-Framework_Vf-1.pdf

More info

  • What does it measure?

    The HoNOS assesses a person’s mental health needs and their social functioning across 12 areas, including behaviour, cognitive issues, symptoms, and social factors.

    Each area is scored by a practitioner on a scale from 0 (no problem) to 4 (severe problem).

    The scores help practitioners determine the severity of need, track changes over time, and guide treatment planning.

  • Who is it for?

    There are several versions of the HoNOS

    • HoNOS (Adult): For adults aged 18–65.
    • HoNOS65+ (Older Adults): For adults aged 65 and above.
    • HoNOSCA (Children and Adolescents): For children and adolescents.
    • HoNOS-Secure: For patients in secure or forensic mental health settings.
    • HoNOS-LD (Learning Disabilities): For individuals with learning disabilities.
    • HoNOS-ABI (Acquired Brain Injury): For individuals with mental health issues following a brain injury.

  • How do you use the HoNOS?

    The HoNOS (Health of the Nation Outcome Scales) is a tool used by practitioners to assess the mental health needs and the social functioning of individuals aged 18 years and over, with tailored versions available for children, adolescents, older adults and forensic populations. 

    The version for children and adolescents is called the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for Children and Adolescents (HoNOSCA).

  • Who completes this measure?

    The Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) is primarily used by clinicians rather than patients. Clinicians, including psychiatrists, psychologists, mental health nurses, and social workers, complete the HoNOS based on their observations and assessments of the patient’s mental health and social functioning.

Fact

stat logo

85%

of secondary care service users nationally having been rated against the HoNOS.

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