Computerised information systems in English mental health care providers in 1998

Background: This study formed part of the background work for the development work of a new Mental Health Minimum Data Set in England. It surveyed the range and nature of information systems currently used by English mental health care provider Trusts. It also surveyed relevant aspects of their organisational arrangements. Method: Information was collected by a telephone survey of Trust information and clinical service managers. Results: Most Trusts have a complex array of different information systems - the median number is four. Even where fully integrated systems are in place, these do not necessarily cover all data areas over the whole of the Trust's operations. Sixty-three percent of Trusts use more than one patient numbering system. Sixty-percent have implemented or formally piloted routine collection of outcome scoring, 51% using the Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HoNOS). A simple model suggested that the proposed data set could realistically be implemented nationally over a 4-year timescale. Conclusions: Given the current information system context and planned developments it would be realistic to implement the proposed Mental Health Minimum Data Set over a 4-year timescale.