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Psychiatria Danubina, Vol. 22 No. suppl 1., 2010.

Conference paper

MENTAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT UNIT AUDIT

Sophia Ul Haq ; South Essex University Partnership NHS Trust, UK
Tilak Ratnayake ; South Essex University Partnership NHS Trust, UK
Mark Agius ; South Essex University Partnership NHS Trust, UK

Full text: english pdf 303 Kb

page 23-25

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Abstract

Introduction: The Mental Health Assessment Unit (MHAU) is a unit set up in 2009 as a gateway between community services
and in-patient services. The aim of the MHAU is to provide an acute setting in which to assess patients within 72 hours, with the view
to reducing in-patient hospital admissions.
Aim: To ascertain the number of referrals made to the MHAU and admissions during a one month period. The presentation and
length of stay was investigated and the diagnosis and follow up plans made were explored.
Method: Data was collated from a one month period, from the 1st June to 2nd July 2010 inclusive. Crisis and home treatment
team (CRHT) notes, medical notes and nursing notes were reviewed.
Results: 100 referrals were made to the MHAU; 48 patients were admitted. 25 patients had care coordinators. Despite this, in
the majority of cases the source of referral was through the Emergency Department. There was a range of presenting complaints
ranged and diagnoses included a wide variety of nature and severity. Average length of stay was 2 nights. Patients deemed to require
in-patient management had shorter length of stay with swift transfer to treatment units. Shorter stays were also associated with
milder degrees of illness. Longer length of stay was associated with more complex illness. 37 patients were discharged home from
the MHAU, 8 were transferred to in-patient treatment units and 3 were transferred to in-patient units elsewhere. The majority of
patients discharged home were followed up by the CRHT. 5 patients were admitted to the MHAU more than once. 4 were admitted
twice, and one was admitted three times. 4 of these patients were discharged home but one was admitted to in-patient unit on his
second admission. This may represent a subgroup of more complex patients.
Conclusion: We recommend further study into patients' experiences with care coordinators particularly at times of need. We
also plan to re-audit for a longer time frame with the view to compare data to in-patient admissions and bed occupancy.

Keywords

assessment; acute psychiatry; diagnosis; length of stay

Hrčak ID:

262364

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/262364

Publication date:

14.9.2010.

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