Brief scale for measuring the outcomes of emotional and behavioural disorders in children - Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for Children and Adolescents (HoNOSCA)

Background Following the development of a child and adolescent version of the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOSCA), field trials were conducted to assess their feasibility and acceptability in routine outcome measurement. Aims To evaluate the reliability, validity and acceptability of HoNOSCA in routine outcome measurement. Method Following training, 36 field sites provided ratings on 1276 cases at one time point and outcome data on 906. Acceptability was assessed by way of written feedback and at a debriefing meeting. Results HoNOSCA demonstrated satisfactory reliability and validity characteristics. It was sensitive to change and its ability to measure change accorded with the clinicians' independent rating. HoNOSCA was reasonably acceptable to clinicians' from a range of disciplines and services. Conclusions Provided that training needs can be met, HoNOSCA represents a satisfactory brief outcome measure which could be used routinely in child and adolescent mental health services. Declaration of interest Supported by a Department of Health grant.