Clinical Utility of Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for Older Persons in a Memory Clinic

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this paper is to report the findings from a routine collection of Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for older persons (HoNOS65 +) in a memory clinic and to explore its clinical utility with clinicians working in old age psychiatric services. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of HoNOS65+ ratings collected during a 12-month period in a newly established memory clinic. Results of this part of the study were presented to 34 clinicians. Results: The mean total HoNOS65+ score was 6.8 and 7.0 for the initial and follow-up episodes respectively. Between 60 and 65% of the clinicians indicated that they ‘disagree’, ‘strongly disagree’ or were ‘unsure’ whether HoNOS65+ (i) can contribute to clinical decision making; (ii) is useful in monitoring progress; (iii) is useful in supporting consumers to assess their progress; and (iv) is assisting in assessing, planning and evaluating service delivery. Conclusions: Service users had timely diagnostic assessment and interventions at the memory clinic. The lack of change on the HoNOS65+ suggests the positive effect of the clinic was not captured by this outcome measure. Although HoNOS65+ is routinely collected, its clinical utility as perceived by clinicians is relatively limited.