Implementation tools and guidance: Mental Health Services Data Set (MHSDS)

The Enhanced Technical Output Specification (ETOS) for v6.0.4 has now been superceded by v6.0.6.4 which you should now be using to make your submissions. The previous versions (v6.0.4) can now been found within the archived page.

The ETOS should be read in conjunction with the MHSDS User Guidance and MHSDS Data Model.

Further to previous communications regarding a pause to a full version change to MHSDS v7.0, and the decision to instead, implement a smaller uplift. The document below is an uplifted version which has been developed to deliver the following:

• the capability to submit ICD-11 codes on a pilot basis
• a more flexible approach to the inclusion and capability to record new assessment tools

Submission using ICD-11 will be made available for the following data items:

• Finding Scheme in Use (mental health)
• Diagnosis Scheme in Use (mental health)

This uplifted version also contains a number of new assessment scales which are located within the MH Assessment Scales tab.

This version of the ETOS should be for submissions relating to April 2026 data and beyond.

Please note that this version includes an amendment to the ‘Work and Social Adjustment Scales (WSAS)’ which can be found in the ‘MH Assessment Scales’ tab. If you submit the WSAS assessment scales, please ensure that you use this version which contains an amendment to the SNOMED codes, please do not submit the old codes, if you have used the old codes you will need to resubmit with the new codes.

Additional information can be found within the monthly newsletters which are located on the NHS Futures site Data and Analytics Information Updates Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism (MHTTLDAR) resource Hub. Register to receive regular bulletins. 

For any questions in relation to MHSDS please contact [email protected].

The MHSDS data model shows each of the individual tables and data items that will make up a MHSDS data submission. 

The MHSDS user guidance document outlines how the national data set should be used and interpreted by users, system suppliers and other stakeholders. This document supports and should be read in conjunction with the Enhanced Technical Output Specification and Data Model.

This guidance compares v5.0 to v6.0 of the Mental Health Services Data Set to show what changes have been made as part of the v6.0 update.