1. Choosing a care cluster
Rate the cluster assessment tool. This rating provides evidence of service user’s need.
Narrow down the clusters you’re considering by looking at the decision tree. Choose which group this service user’s needs best fit in; organic, psychotic, or non-psychotic.

2. Choosing a care cluster
Reduce your choices further by considering the next level of headings. Are the presenting needs complex, related to a first episode?
Next check out the cluster descriptions. Try and match the assessment scores you made to the coloured grids. The red boxes should match the scores you recorded.

3. Choosing a care cluster
The cluster description, statement around risk, diagnosis and duration of likely episode should all feel right.
If any of these aren’t a good fit, there’s likely to be a better cluster choice elsewhere.

4. Clustering Best Practice 2017
On RIO….I.
Recording your clustering information needs a new record. Editing old records doesn’t update information on the data warehouse (used for reports).
Choose the clustering option from the MH services menu in the Case Record Menu
Create a new record from the clustering
assessment and allocation option
CW/LVW – reporting outcomes

5. On RIO….II. Complete the date of assessment
Clustering Best Practice 2017
On RIO….II.
Complete the date of assessment
Select the reason for this assessment and the referral this cluster allocation relate to
CW/LVW – reporting outcomes

6. Clustering Best Practice 2017
On RIO….III.
Complete Clustering assessment items (these are also referred to as HoNOS).
Item 8 has a numerical value and a problem area to choose from. The most pressing issue should be rated on each occasion. If 0-no problem is selected, no letter is required. If J- Other is chosen, an indication of the nature of the problem is needed.
CW/LVW – reporting outcomes

7. Clustering Best Practice 2017
On RIO…..
Diagnosis information can be pulled through using search function.
The cluster allocation is completed from a drop down menu
Date should reflect the cluster assessment date at the top of the form
CW/LVW – reporting outcomes

8. Clustering Best Practice 2017
At Discharge…..
At discharge, the cluster episode should be close by creating a new record.
Complete the clustering assessment to complete outcomes information (HoNOS). If the client hasn’t been seen recently, then unknown or 9 can be recorded.
Select Discharge from the clustering allocation drop down menu. Complete the last fields “Discharging from clustering”.
The date should be consistent throughout the form
Don’t edit old records
CW/LVW – reporting outcomes