Category: Assessment Tools

Mental Health Bulletin 2024 25 Annual Report

The latest Mental Health Bulletin from NHS Digital is now available. It offers the most detailed picture of people who used NHS funded secondary mental health, learning disability and autism services in England during 2024 to 2025.

This annual report helps shine a light on who is accessing services, how care is being delivered and where demand continues to grow. Insights like these support better planning, service improvement and understanding of the needs of the people we care for.

You can read the full publication here: Mental Health Bulletin, 2024-25 Annual report – NHS England Digital

How Accurate Is HADS-A for Detecting Anxiety Disorders?

A new Cochrane review (Issue 7, 2025) examines the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale—Anxiety subscale (HADS-A) as a screening tool for anxiety disorders (such as generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder) in adults. Based on research published between 1990 and July 2024, the review highlights high variability across studies, methodological weaknesses, and insufficient details about participants’ prior mental health status.

Takeaway: Although HADS-A is widely used due to its convenience, current evidence on its accuracy remains inconclusive—underscoring the need for higher-quality, rigorous studies before using it confidently in isolation.

Read the full review here: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale Anxiety subscale (HADS‐A) for detecting anxiety disorders in adults – Fomenko, A – 2025 | Cochrane Library

Dr Jamali Qutub on Academic Publishing

We’re proud to share a new video from Dr Jamali Qutub, a doctor from our Trust, explaining the differences between e-letters, preprints, and review articles – and how each plays a role in building a research career.

In this clear and practical guide, Dr J covers:

  • Why e-letters are a great starting point for beginners
  • How preprints share research quickly and invite feedback
  • The value of review articles for showcasing expertise
  • How timelines vary between each publication type
  • Debunking the myth that preprints hurt journal acceptance

The video encourages a step-by-step approach to publishing. Starting with e-letters, moving on to preprints, and finally producing review articles. Helping researchers gain skills, confidence, and credibility along the way.

Watch the full video here: e-Letter, pre-print and review article – YouTube

ICD-11 Personality Disorders: A Clinician’s Guide

We’re pleased to announce that ICD-11 Personality Disorders: A Clinician’s Guide is now available in our library collection. This essential resource offers clear guidance on the ICD-11 classification of personality disorders, practical tools for assessment, and evidence-based approaches to treatment. Perfect for clinicians, mental health professionals, and students seeking to deepen their understanding of this updated diagnostic framework.

Please note: This book is available for LSCFT staff only. Visit the library to borrow your copy or reserve it online.

Nurse Educator Toolkit

Professional Nurse Educator Toolkit for Mental Health Services

Source: KnowledgeShare

Professional nurse educator toolkit for mental health services.
NHS England; 2024.

Clinical mental health nursing leadership is essential in enabling and empowering registered mental health nurses to continuously improve their learning on quality and safety and the care they provide to patients and families. This document describes the implementation of the professional nurse educator (PNE) role within mental health services and offers advice on how providers of mental health services can effectively implement the role within their mental health services.

Toolkit

Talking with families about parental relationships: Practical tips and guiding questions

Source: Early Intervention Foundation (EIF); 2022.
This short guide provides practitioners and leads in local areas with practical tips on how to talk to families about parental conflict, and how to alleviate negative feelings about relationship support.