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Evaluating the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales

Reliability and validity in a three-year follow-up of first-onset psychosis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

S. Amin*
Affiliation:
Division of Psychiatry, University of Nottingham
S. P. Singh
Affiliation:
Division of Psychiatry, University of Nottingham
T. Croudace
Affiliation:
Division of Psychiatry, University of Nottingham
P. Jones
Affiliation:
Division of Psychiatry, University of Nottingham
I. Medley
Affiliation:
Division of Psychiatry, University of Nottingham
G. Harrison
Affiliation:
Division of Psychiatry, University of Bristol
*
Dr S. Amin, Honorary Clinical Research Fellow, Division of Psychiatry, University of Nottingham, Duncan Macmillan House, Porchester Road, Nottingham NG3 6AA

Abstract

Background

The HoNOS has been developed as a routine measure of outcomes in mental health.

Aims

To explore the validity and interrater reliability of HoNOS in a first-onset psychosis follow-up study.

Method

Between 1992 and 1994 we ascertained a cohort of all persons with first-onset psychosis. We re-assessed these people at 3 years (n=166) with several outcome scales, including HoNOS. Patients' keyworkers also completed the HoNOS. We estimated concurrent validity by calculating correlations between HoNOS and other scales, and interrater reliability.

Results

Researcher HoNOS correlated highly with other scales (0.46 < p < 0.86; P < 0.001). Keyworker HoNOS correlations were lower (0.41 < p < 0.51; P < 0.05), but still significant for all scores except the HoNOS-social subscale (0.12 < p < 0.28). Agreements between researcher and keyworker HoNOS were modest (0.47 < ICC < 0.85).

Conclusions

In this research cohort HoNOS correlates well with established outcome scales. Keyworker ratings show similar, but weaker, relationships; its use in routine settings may require further training for calibration of severity.

Type
HoNOS Papers
Copyright
Copyright © 1999 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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Footnotes

Declaration of interest

Supported by Trent National Health Service Executive.

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