Triage in mental health – a new model for acute in-patient psychiatry

Abstract

Aims and MethodIn-patient psychiatric care needs urgent improvement and development. A new model of psychiatric care (triage) has been used for 6 months across an adult psychiatric service covering a London borough.ResultsPreliminary results show that the new model has reduced bed occupancy, leading to more-efficient throughput, with positive feedback from patients and staff. Important factors contributing to these positive changes include a whole-systems approach, senior medical input 6 days a week, creative use of information technology and a highly skilled multidisciplinary team.Clinical ImplicationsThe introduction of the new model has resulted in a more-efficient use of beds. Further evaluation will enable us to assess the impact on other parts of the service. As with all innovations, the improvements must be sustained once the initial enthusiasm has passed.

A new model for quality improvement in acute inpatient psychiatry: observational data from an acute assessment unit

“…The ward has now functioned for one year. The model is similar to that adopted by the triage ward in Lewisham 14 and others around the country. However, the authors are not aware of any detailed patient outcomes that have been published from similar inpatient care models.…”

Ethnicity and access to an inner city home treatment service: a case-control study

“…Home treatment was particularly under‐utilised in police referrals, possibly because of the perceived risk. A triage ward successfully operates in a neighbouring borough (Inglis & Baggaley 2005) and crisis houses are common throughout the UK. Abas et al.…”

“…Home treatment was particularly under-utilised in police referrals, possibly because of the perceived risk. A triage ward successfully operates in a neighbouring borough (Inglis & Baggaley 2005) and crisis houses are common throughout the UK. Abas et al (2003) and Cotton et al (2007) highlight a need to further explore such options in the context of avoiding hospital admissions and providing alternatives.…”

The case for change for British mental healthcare

“…Aside from isolated innovations, such as the Triage ward model, few mental health providers are proactively measuring and driving down inpatient lengths of stay. 8 Examples of best practice internationally, from both Europe and America, reveal that, for the same intensity of care, it is possible to improve outcomes with lengths of stay less than half as long. 10 To achieve this will require delivering the same care at weekends as during the week, with daily rather than weekly reviews of how people are doing by senior clinicians.…”