The MHSDS is a patient level, output based, secondary uses data set which is delivering robust, comprehensive, nationally consistent and comparable person-based information for children, young people and adults who are in contact with Mental Health Services. As a secondary uses data set it re-uses clinical and operational data for purposes other than direct patient care. It defines the data items, definitions and associated value sets to be extracted or derived from local information systems.

This information standard is published under section 250 of the Health and Social Care Act 2012. An Information Standards Notice (see below) provides an overview of scope and implementation timescales, and the other listed documents provide further detail for those who have to implement the information standard.