Acute mental health inpatient wards have been criticized for being nontherapeutic.The study aimed to test the feasibility of delivering a psychologically informed intervention in these settings. This single-arm study evaluated the feasibility of clinical psychologists delivering a ward-based psychological service model over a 6-month period on two acute mental health wards. Data were gathered to assess trial design parameters and the feasibility of gathering patient/staff outcome data. Psychologists were able to deliver key elements of the intervention. Baseline staff and patient participant recruitment targets were met. However, there was significant patient attrition at follow-up, with incorrect contact details on discharge being the primary reason. Implementation of a ward-based psychological intervention appears feasible when implemented flexibly. It is feasible to recruit staff and patient participants and to collect staff outcome measures over a 6-month period. However, greater efforts need to be taken to trace patient movement following discharge.

Background It is essential to conduct randomised controlled trials of psychological interventions on acute psychiatric wards to build a robust evidence base for clinical practice. Aims This paper aims to share strategies from three different in-patient trials that successfully recruited and retained participants, to disseminate good practice for the conduct of future trials in this challenging and complex clinical setting. Method We present strategies from three in-patient trials of psychological interventions: TULIPS (Talk, Understand, Listen for Inpatient Settings), amBITION (Brief Talking Therapies on Wards) and INSITE (Inpatient Suicide Intervention and Therapy Evaluation). All studies recruited participants from acute in-patient wards, initiated therapy within the in-patient setting and followed up on participants post-discharge. Results We summarise our recommendations for good practice in the form of ten top tips for success, based on our collective experience of conducting trials on psychiatric wards. Key themes relate to the importance of relationships between the research team and clinical staff; good stakeholder involvement and getting early buy-in from the team; and adapting to the particular demands of the clinical setting. Conclusions Sharing good practice recommendations can help reduce research waste arising from poor recruitment and/or retention in future in-patient clinical trials.

The use of Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) is increasingly important in clinical practice. Within the Department of Clinical Neuropsychology at Salford Royal Hospital they are used routinely to collect information on the overall physical, psychological and social adjustment of patients with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). In an attempt to increase PROMs completion rates, we implemented two major changes, reducing the number of PROMs completed and changing the collection method. We critically evaluated the influence that these changes have had on PROMs completion rates and discussed the potential barriers in PROMs completion rates in TBI patients, together with reflections for future improvements of the PROMs used and their administration methods.