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MH-SMART

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What is MH-SMART?

MH-SMART (Mental Health Standard Measures of Assessment and Recovery Initiative) was started in 2005 as a way of attempting to introduce an outcomes culture into New Zealand's mental health services.

MH-SMART was also concerned with the way that such an outcomes culture could be introduced into mental health services, using five identified domains.

The five identified domains are:

  1. A measure of clinical symptoms
  2. A measure of functioning
  3. A consumer outcome measure
  4. An alcohol and drug outcome measure
  5. A Maori outcome measure

MH-SMART was seen as a long-term process which would take many years to complete.

What standard outcome measures does New Zealand have?

The first standard measure to be introduced into New Zealand's mental health services was the clinical symptoms measure (domain 1).

The Health of the Nation Outcome Scale tools (HoNOS, HoNOS 65 + and HoNOSCA) were selected as the initial mandated outcome tools for domain 1. HoNOS has been the main outcome measurement tool for clincians during the past few years.

Currently there are no mandated tools for domains, 2, 3, 4 and 5. However, there is a lot of work being done in these areas.

Definitions of mandatory and other recommended outcome tools

When we refer to mandated tools, we are referring to tools that are mandated by the Ministry of Health. Currently this applies to HoNOS, HoNSCA and HoNOS65+ and all DHBs are required to collect information about service users using these tools. When we refer to 'other recommended outcome tools' we are referring to outcome measurement tools which could meet the domains mentioned above but are not currently mandated outcome tools.

Unmandated tools

Additional outcome measurement tools are also being used voluntary throughout the sector or are in development which are not and/or will not be part of the MH-SMART suite of measures, such as the Kessler Psychological Distress 10-item scale.

MH-SMART suite of measures report

Te Pou submitted a detailed report to the Ministry of Health in mid-2009, with recommendations for which outcome measures should be mandated. Te Pou will inform the sector once the Ministry has made a decision on the report recommendations.

For more information

Contact Mark Smith, clinical lead specialist.

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Page last updated: 3 December 2009