To study the process of establishment, and evaluate the outcome of participation, in a self-help support group for people with chronic nonmalignant pain, members of a newly-established, consumer-led group participated in two interviews 5 months apart and a researcher observed group meetings. Participants reported significant benefits from participating in the group. They had a significant increase in functional ability and activity, and reported decreased recourse to health professionals, particularly family physicians. This study indicates that pain support groups can play a valuable role for people in pain, assisting with support and rehabilitation, and meeting needs that health professionals are often not appropriate or able to provide.
Aims and methodThe Health of the Nation Outcome Scales (HoNOS) and its older adults’ version (HoNOS 65+) have been used widely for 20 years, but their glossaries have not been revised to reflect clinicians' experiences or changes in service delivery. The Royal College of Psychiatrists convened an international advisory board, with UK, Australian and New Zealand expertise, to identify desirable amendments. The aim was to improve rater experience by removing ambiguity and inconsistency in the glossary rather than more radical revision.ResultsChanges proposed to the HoNOS are reported. HoNOS 65+ changes will be reported separately. Based on the views and experience of the countries involved, a series of amendments were identified.Clinical implicationsWhile effective clinician training remains critically important, these revisions aim to improve intra- and interrater reliability and improve validity. Next steps will depend on feedback from HoNOS users. Reliability and validity testing will depend on funding.Declaration of interestNone.
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