Paddington Complexity Scale and Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for Children and Adolescents

Background There is an increasing interest in measuring health care outcome s in mental health services for children as well as adults. Aims We examined the sensitivity of the Paddington Complexity Scale (PCS) a nd the Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for Children and Adolescents (Ho NOSCA) in describing the intakes of child and adolescent mental health clin ics. Method We carried out a prospective study of two out-patient units and one day patient unit, by means of questionnaires administered to clinicians, pa rents and children. Results Clinician-rated PCS and HoNOSCAs were obtained for 248 new attender s. Both proved sensitive to intake differences between clinics. There were correlations of moderate intensity (r=0.6) between total PCS and HoNOSCA. T here were weaker associations between these and parent/child rated measures of behaviour (r=0.4 and 0.3), quality of life and self-esteem (r=0.3 or le ss). Conclusions Both PCS and HoNOSCA are useful for describing clinical profile s of children and adolescents receiving mental health services. Declaration of interest The study was funded by the NorthThames Regional He alth Authority.