Care clusters in their simplest form are a way of measuring the outcome of a mental health assessment using a pre-agreed set of key mental health assessment measures. 

Each cluster has a set of corresponding scores that indicate a level of mental health need which is then linked to a specific care attached to that cluster. 

BHFT has developed pathways for each of the care clusters currently in use. The cluster pathways set down the menu of interventions recommended and required alongside likely clusters associated.

Outcome measures are added as a task in each of the pathway phases, eg in the initial assessment screening phase at least one ReQoL should be completed. These tasks turn green if completed on RiO or if manually completed. Each phase has a suggested time scale, eg within 28 days.