Health of the Nation Outcome Scales 

As a part of the eligibility requirements for the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program, mental health nurses must be trained in the use of the Health of the Nation Outcomes Scale (HoNOS).

HoNOS is a tool to measure the health and social functioning of people with severe mental illness.  It was developed by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK).  The most comprehensive site outlining the HoNOS measurement tool is that of the Royal College of Psychiatry (UK).

HoNOS Training with Te Pou

Te Pou is New Zealand's National Centre of Mental Health Research, Information and Workforce Development. Its website has information about outcome measures and tools and training related to HoNOS. This is a free service.

The ACMHN, with the permission of Te Pou, has Endorsed the HoNOS training for professional development purposes.

This means if you complete relevant sections you can claim CPE/CPD points for your credentialing application. This program may be of use to you if you are just finding out about HoNOS or you are in need of a refresher.

How to access the HoNOS training

* Log onto the Te Pou site http://www.tepou.co.nz/page/23-Welcome

* Select the section in the top menu - INFORMATION

* Choose OUTCOME MEASURES from the menu. Read this (and anything else that interests you).

* Then choose TOOLS AND TRAINING from the menu. This is where you will find HoNOS TRAINING ONLINE.

* To claim CPD points for the Te Pou program, you need to undertake each case study as instructed on the Te Pou site and complete the rating form until your rating is consistent with the actual rating given by Te Pou.

Each case study includes

• Reading the story

• Watching a video

• Completing rating form

• Viewing feedback on result.

At the end you can either print or email the result sheet which can then be kept and used as evidence of having completed the case studies. If you email the result sheet to yourself as this will provide a date for further support.

2 CPE points for completion of each case study – a total of 14 CPE points is available for completion of all case studies.

Certificate of completion

This is offered by ACMHN if you submit copies of emails for ALL case studies. However, to be eligible for a certificate, all case studies will need to be completed within one month. Submit your case studies as a complete package to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with the subject – “HoNOS Training Certificate”.

Please direct all HoNOS enquiries to the College by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Links to further information

Mental Health National Outcomes and Casemix Collection: Online Outcome and Casemix Measures Training

AMHOCN now provides an opportunity for staff working in Australian Public Sector Mental Health Services to undertake online training in the measures that make up the National Outcomes and Casemix Collection. However, nurses participating in the Mental Health Nurse Incentive Program (MHNIP) can gain access to online HoNOS training. This online training is in development and feedback is encouraged. Click here for more information  

Benefits of HoNOS - Provided by Department of Health Western Australia

Outcome measures suitable for mental disorders seen in general practice - maintained by World Health Organization Collaborating Care Centre, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney.