Broadening the state of play – the second national survey of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry services in New Zealand, 2021

Abstract

Objective The original national survey of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) services in New Zealand (NZ) that was undertaken in 2018 (CLPSNZ-1) established a baseline but was limited in scope. The aim of the current study was to conduct a more in-depth national survey. Method A 44-question survey was emailed to clinicians at each of the 16 general hospitals in NZ with specialist adult CLP services in 2021. Results Responses were obtained from all 16 CLP services. These services were found to be under-resourced (with mean total full-time equivalents of 0.26 psychiatrists and 1.10 clinicians per 100 inpatient beds, respectively), operate with highly variable service models (with major variations in operating hours and coverage of age groups, the Emergency Department and outpatients) and provide a predominantly consultation service. Conclusion While many of the findings from CLPSNZ-1 remain relevant, the current survey has extended our understanding of the circumstances, achievements and challenges of this psychiatric subspecialty in NZ.