The How Are You? scale: a quality-of-life outcomes measure for routine practice

The How Are You? scale, a quality-of-life outcomes self-report measure to be completed by patients, was developed to address the concerns of the mental health consumer movement. Specific concerns included using less technical language in assessing mental health problems and developing a collaborative dialogue between clinician and patient. The How Are You? scale is a user-friendly instrument that allows patients to be actively involved in their assessment and treatment process. To implement the How Are You? scale into a recording and measurement system, its psychometric properties were assessed using two samples: (1) An employee group from The Menninger Clinic was used to assess internal consistency and stability, and (2) a patient group from The Menninger Clinic was used to assess known-group and discriminant validity, as well as sensitivity to change. The How Are You? scale was found to have good internal consistency and stability and good known-group and discriminant validity. It was also found to be sensitive to change. Although data continue to be collected at The Menninger Clinic, initial indications are that the How Are You? scale is a psychometrically sound outcomes measurement tool.