bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating patients and healthcare professionals' understanding of voting rights for patients in government elections
Authors: Winchester Mark , Majid Madiha , Kumar Ashok
Published: June 2021

Aims

To understand whether mental health patients vote in government elections

To ascertain the barriers that prevent them from doing so

To explore ways in which mental health services can support patients to vote

To determine whether mental health staff are aware of patients’ right to vote

Background

Members of Parliament (MPs) can influence decisions regarding the National Health Service (NHS) and mental health legislation. The general election on 12th December 2019 highlighted that many patients were not using their democratic right to vote. It also appeared that many staff members were not aware that patients under the Mental Health Act (MHA) were entitled to vote (except for those under ‘forensic’ sections of the MHA). We therefore conducted a survey to ascertain both patient and staff understanding of their democratic rights and to better understand how we could increase the rate of voting amongst psychiatric patients.

Method

Two questionnaires were produced, one for patients and the other for staff members. This was tested by the clinical governance team before approval was granted. Data were collected at the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust in the form of paper forms or electronically through a survey website. Forty-two patients and twenty-five staff members responded.

Result

No staff members had received formal training with regards to patients’ right to vote. Over half of staff members incorrectly believed that patients under Section 2 or 3 of the MHA and those lacking capacity couldn't vote. More than half of the team members surveyed stated that they had not supported patients in registering or casting a vote. Roughly one third of healthcare professionals felt that it was their responsibility to promote patients’ right to vote, with one third disagreeing and the remaining third unsure.

Over 75% of patients did not vote but less than one quarter of all patients surveyed felt support from mental health services would increase the likelihood of them voting. The main barriers to voting were being mentally unwell, hospital admission or a lack of knowledge on the candidates and election process.

Conclusion

Basic training is required to improve staff knowledge of patients’ voting rights, which should help improve their ability to support patients to vote. Trusts should have a clear protocol in place in the event of future elections, with information on who can vote, how to request a postal vote and the candidates in that area.
A study examining whether social cognitive abilities impact on recovery from PTSD
Authors: Wiseman Chantelle , Bisson Jonathan , Karl Anke , Lawrence Andrew , Hotham James , Zammit Stan
Published: June 2021

Aims

Deficits in social cognition (the ability to recognise and understand emotions, intentions and actions in oneself and in others) have been found in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Few studies so far have examined whether social cognitive ability impacts on PTSD recovery. Here we present a protocol and preliminary data for a study that aims to evaluate whether pre-treatment social cognitive deficits are associated with treatment outcomes following trauma-focused therapy for PTSD.

Method

The protocol was developed after discussion with Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) groups, and a battery of social cognitive tasks was trialled on 20 participants without PTSD. The final protocol was then developed using information and feedback from these preliminary studies. We aim to recruit 60 individuals who are about to start a trauma-focused therapy for PTSD within the two tertiary PTSD services. Social cognition (measured using a variety of tasks including Reading the Mind in the Eyes Task and the Reflective Functioning Questionnaire) and potential confounders (including severity of trauma history, attachment and verbal IQ) are assessed at baseline, prior to the start of therapy. PTSD symptom severity (measured using the PCL-5) and daily functioning (measured using the WSAS) are assessed pre and post-treatment. The primary aim of the study is to examine whether baseline social cognition is associated with the degree of improvement in the PCL-5.

Result

So far 29 participants have been recruited and consented. 6 participants have completed follow-up assessments. The study has been adapted for the COVID-19 pandemic so participants can complete the tasks remotely. Preliminary results show a moderate negative correlation between baseline social cognitive abilities and baseline PTSD symptom severity (Spearman's correlation -0.30) and functional abilities (Spearman's correlation -0.42).

Conclusion

Development of our study in collaboration with PPI and preliminary testing of measures suggests it is likely that it will be feasible for us to conduct this study in this patient group. Baseline preliminary results show/suggest a moderate correlation between PTSD symptom severity and social cognitive impairment. Our main analyses, when completed, will help to determine whether social cognitive ability is associated with recovery from PTSD.
Psychosomatic aspects of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis
Authors: Belugina Olga
Published: June 2021

Aims

The aim of this study is to assess the level of alexithymia, coping strategies and stress contribution to illness in patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis in order to increase effectiveness of dermatological treatment.

Method

59 patients with atopic dermatitis, 67 with psoriasis and 65 healthy control group individuals were included in the cross-sectional study. Predominant complains of the patients: itching, widespread rashes and rashes on the open areas of the skin. In 85% patients with skin pathology onset of the disease and relapses were associated with stress, in 15% other factors.

“The 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale” was used to assess alexithymia. “The Ways of Coping Checklist, Lazarus” was used to assess coping-strategies. “The Holmes and Rage Stress Inventory” was used to assess stress contribution to illness. Significance level: p < 0,05.

Result

The levels of alexithymia (p = 0.002), difficulty identifying feelings subscale (p = 0.02) and externally-oriented thinking subscale (p = 0.002) in patients with skin pathology (especially in those with psoriasis) were higher than in the control group.

Patients with skin pathology turned out to be more susceptible to stress factors (p = 0.025) and less often use coping strategy “seeking social support” (p = 0.037).

Patients with skin pathology with high levels of alexithymia and difficulty identifying feelings subscale more likely to use maladaptive “escape-avoidance” coping (p = 0.001).

Patients with atopic dermatitis who find difficult to describe feelings are more likely to use maladaptive coping “distancing”(p = 0.002).

In patients with psoriasis high levels of alexithymia and externally-oriented thinking subscale scores are associated with less common use of the adaptive coping “problem solving”(p = 0.001). Moreover, in patients with psoriasis high levels of difficulty identifying feelings subscale are associated with more common use of maladaptive “escape-avoidance” coping (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

The results of the study confirm the need to include psychological assessment and psychotherapy in the treatment plan for patients with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis in order to improve emotional awareness and to develop more adaptive coping-strategies in patients.
Pre-discharge factors associated with early readmission to psychiatric inpatient services within 90 days
Authors: Wright Jessica , Thomas Rhianne
Published: June 2021

Aims

The aim of this study was to identify pre-discharge risk factors associated with early inpatient readmission in general adult service users, with a particular focus on modifiable factors. We hypothesised that stability prior to discharge would reduce readmission to inpatient services within 90 days.

Background

Early readmission to inpatient psychiatric services is a poor outcome for service users, staff and the healthcare system. A variety of clinical, demographic and system factors, mostly non-modifiable, have been investigated previously. The identification of pre-discharge and particularly modifiable factors associated with readmission would give an opportunity for intervention and changes in policy.

Method

272 medical records of all admissions within an 8 month period to a NHS inner city psychiatric inpatient service were reviewed to identify factors associated with readmission within 90 days of discharge. The data were analysed by simple comparison, calculation of odds ratios and logistic regression.

Result

26% of service users were readmitted to the mental health trust within 90 days of discharge. Incidents (OR = 3.86; 95% CI 1.39–10.75) and psychotropic medication change in the week before discharge (OR = 2.94; 95% CI 1.43–6.03) were significantly associated with readmission, as were the number of previous admissions, and comorbid substance misuse. Successful overnight leave was found to be significantly protective against readmission (OR = 0.29; 95% CI 0.11–0.72).

Conclusion

The ability to predict those at high risk for readmission means they can be targeted for interventions and it can also help develop best practice around inpatient care and the discharge process. The novel findings in this study of pre-discharge modifiable risk factors such as stability and successful overnight leave could have significant implications in discharge planning policy.
Do core psychiatry trainee cognitive behaviour therapy cases meet training needs? An evaluation of core psychiatry trainee delivered CBT cases in Sheffield: implications for training and services
Authors: Abayaratne Dasal , Birkett Russell , Davies John
Published: June 2021

Aims

This evaluation aims to understand if Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) cases for Core Psychiatry Trainees (CPTs) in Sheffield provide good training in therapy skills and if these can be integrated into general psychiatric practice.

Background

Completion of psychotherapy cases part of the curriculum for CPTs, with cognitive behavior therapy being one of the common modalities used. Whilst there is evidence that trainees often provide competent therapy it is unclear what cases are appropriate and how these contribute to wider CPT learning objectives.

Method

CPTs who had completed a clinical case in CBT at a tertiary psychotherapy service were identified. All were surveyed and patient demographics and outcomes also collated.

Result

The results showed a significant impact on trainees understanding of CBT, applying theory to clinical context, and changed future practice. Despite being complex, 64% of patients needed no further therapy and 42% were discharged from mental health services.

Conclusion

The evaluation demonstrates the positive outcomes for patients, trainees, future clinical practice, and a move towards collaboration as laid out in the Five-year forward view for mental health. This suggests that medical trainees have a valuable contribution, and role despite minimal experience in CBT.
‘Comfortable, safe and valued’: an analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on Hertfordshire's Community Perinatal Team
Authors: Adeyemi Stephanie , Cohen Sarah
Published: June 2021

Aims

This study aimed to assess the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the Hertfordshire Community Perinatal Team (CPT) group interventions and the innovations made.

Background

The CPT is a multidisciplinary mental health service that runs three groups: Circle of Security (CoS), Emotional Coping Skills (ECS) and a peer support group - Wellbeing and Lifestyle. The service has received an increase in referrals during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

Methods: Team member and client semi structured interviews were conducted with answers transcribed in real time and analysed. Patient clinical records were accessed via PARIS and analysed in order to identify patient demographics within each group and whether these had changed during the pandemic. Clinical outcome measures and client feedback were evaluated to see whether the change in groups is impacting their clinical effectiveness.

Result

Results: Innovations made by the CPT include: groups becoming virtual, launching of the new Circle of Security Group which helps women tackle the ‘Ghosts in the Nursery’ and strengthen maternal bonds, restructuring existing groups, breakout room forums and incorporating communication platform apps such as Whatsapp. The Wellbeing and Lifestyle Group increased in size and reach (7 women from 7 areas in 2019 vs 12 women from 12 areas in 2021) with an increased retention rate (71% in 2019 vs 100% in 2021) and a decreased attrition rate (29% in 2019 to 0% in 2021). The Emotional Coping Skills group experienced similar changes (10 areas represented in 2019 vs 15 different areas in 2021) with an increased retention rate (58% in 2019 vs 100% in 2021) and decreased attrition rate (42% in 2019 vs 0% in 2021).

Conclusion

The Hertfordshire Community Perinatal Team has responded to the pandemic by innovating existing groups and creating new forums; many of which will continue on even after the pandemic ceases. The groups have acted as a lifeline for women breaking up the monotony and isolation of lockdown life and providing an invaluable space for women to be heard.
Reviewing suitability of Essex Partnership University Foundation NHS Trust out of area locked rehab placements
Authors: Ali Shereen , Karale Miland , Aboelenin Shaimaa , Ahmed Ayesha , Adulesi Dolly , Adebayo Emmanuel
Published: June 2021

Aims

To look at 14 EPUT out of area patient profiles, map their journey to the current locked rehab placements -To review the appropriateness of placement of 14 patients through reviewing whether the care provided is achieving the rehabilitation goals.

To look at patients’ needs and whether the local alternatives can provide the care

Background

Rehabilitation services aim to help complex General Adult Mental health patients reintegrate in the community by promoting independent living skills. Some complex mental health patient's care needs mandate a specialist rehabilitation services. Currently there has been a nationwide shortage of local rehabilitation services. This resulted in placing complex needs patients out of area in locked rehabilitation hospitals and miles away from their local community connections. Families and local community team providers travel miles to keep in contact with their complex need persons. The NHS five year plan includes minimizing the current out of area placements and for local services to work together as per CQC recommendations to work together and bring those individuals closer to home.

Method

We designed a tool and examined the electronic records for all 14 out of area placed patient profiles, mapping their clinical journey and reviewing whether the care provided is achieving the rehabilitation goals.

Result

(N = 14), Patient profiles: 78.5% had residual symptoms (Psychotic symptoms 85%). Patient's Illness profile; treatment resistant with residual symptoms in 71.4% and 7% had comorbid illicit substance misuse, other illness profiles 21.4%. History of alcohol and illicit drug misuse was present in 78.5% and 45% of them were using illicit substances more than 5 years. .patients’ risk profile revealed 86.7% had history of non-compliance. Attempted suicide 21.4% has attempted suicide at list once in which 1/3 of them had more than one attempt. 64.3% Had positive history of offending behavior. All patients in the sample had history of violence 85.7% had risk of vulnerability and self-neglect, 28.5% has history of carrying weapons, 35.7 had a previous Custodial sentence. Average Duration of illness average 16.7 years, average distance from home was 149 miles though clozapine was considered in 92.8% only 35.7% of sample was on clozapine, and the other 64.3% were on combinations. Only 35.7% were on depot.

Conclusion

There is a need for expert input for advice regarding complex Management of residual symptoms and rehabilitation needs in the community. Health and social care joint working is needed.
Elderly offenders at Wathwood Hospital: perspectives and practicalities
Authors: Chaudhry Sidra , Hayes Gwilym
Published: June 2021

Aims

The following project explores where Wathwood Hospital stands in provision of services to its elderly patients.

Background

The only dedicated forensic medium secure unit for elderly offenders in England is the St. Andrews medium secure unit in Northampton with only 17 beds. Due to the limited beds, other units must accommodate elderly patients, which raises the question whether these units can provide the appropriate services for this very vulnerable population.

Method

Inclusion Criteria:

Male

>55 years of age

Admitted from 2012 onwards (from when database was maintained)

Data were gathered using patient electronic records including index offence, mental disorder, physical health comorbidities and discharge destinations. Patient identifiable data were anonymized to protect their identities.

A staff survey was also conducted to find their perspective on managing elderly patients and whether Wathwood Hospital had the appropriate resources for elderly offenders in their area of work.

Result

A total of 220 referrals were searched with only 9 patients >55 years. Index offenses, mental disorder diagnoses, physical comorbidities including cognitive assessments in the form of memory tests and brain imaging were also collated for identified patients from electronic patient records.

Index offences included violence against person, arson, homicide, robbery, threatening behaviour and dangerous driving and affray. Diagnoses included learning disability, delusional disorder, paranoid schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, alcohol dependence, personality disorder and depressive disorder.

Patients had multiple comorbidities such as diabetes, COPD, hypertension, coronary artery disease and musculoskeletal problems. Out of the nine admitted patients, only six had an ACE with an average score of 70.83. Five patients had brain imaging, with two normal results and the others showing some degree of atrophy and ischemic changes.

Discharge destinations included medium secure units, low secure unit and prison. One patient unfortunately died during admission and four are still inpatients.

A staff survey conducted showed their perspective on the challenges in managing elderly patients and whether Wathwood Hospital had the appropriate resources for them to work with elderly offenders in their area of work. All results will be explained through tables and graphs.

Conclusion

It's evident that there are challenges in managing elderly patients in units not specifically designed to manage them. This is also due to the lack of geriatric training and resources available to allied health care professionals to carry out their respective work. It's therefore crucial we formulate more inclusive strategies to address these challenges.
A retrospective analysis comparing clinical outcome measures pre- and post- the introduction of telehealth in a community-based psychiatry clinic in a tertiary medical centre
Authors: Dhar Arup , Edwards Liam , Waerea Moana
Published: June 2021

Aims

The aim of this retrospective analysis was to look at the effect that telehealth had on patient outcomes and the therapeutic alliance.

Method

Clinical outcomes measures were collected prospectively as part of routine clinical care. Outcome measures were administered at patients’ initial and final appointment. Information was merged into a single database and imported into IBM SPSS for retrospective analysis. The following measures were administered at the beginning and end of treatment and were used to evaluate patient progress; Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HoNOS), Life Skills Profile (LSP), Session Rating Scale (SRS), Outcome Rating Scale (ORS).

Result

Two cohorts were derived from the clinic; the first cohort (n = 90; 53 females; 37 males; M = 35.72 years; SD = 12.12 years) comprised of those patients whose care occurred between 23/09/2019 and 22/03/2020 and did not receive telehealth appointments. The second cohort (n = 122; 68 females; 54 males; M = 36.2 years; SD = 12.78 years) were those patients who presented to the clinic and were discharged between 23/03/2020 and 21/09/2020 and received at least one telehealth appointment. In the pre-telehealth cohort, mean HoNOS scores at baseline were 17.87 compared to 13.53 at discharge, mean LSP scores at baseline were 10.76 compared to 9.01 at discharge, mean SRS scores at baseline were 34.17 compared to 36.04 at discharge, and mean ORS scores at baseline were 12.97 compared to 21.28 at discharge. In the post-telehealth cohort, mean HoNOS scores at baseline were 14.45 compared to 10.50 at discharge, mean LSP scores at baseline were 7.85 compared to 7.19 at discharge, mean SRS scores at baseline were 36.04 compared to 35.36 at discharge, and mean ORS scores at baseline were 18.83 compared to 15.85 at discharge.

Conclusion

Results show that telehealth did not impact negatively on the therapeutic effect of clinical sessions, highlighted by similar reductions in HoNOS and LSP scores. It was seen in the post-telehealth cohort that there was worsening in the subject-rated scales (SRS and ORS) which was not seen in the pre-telehealth face-to-face cohort. Thus, there seems to be a discernible negative difference from the patient's perspective in the clinical sessions. This may be due to the difficulties in therapeutic alliance using the telehealth platform. We appreciate that there are a number of confounding factors, especially the effect of COVID-19 isolation. Telehealth is a useful addition to our assessment and treatment paradigms and its use should continue; however, we should be aware of the potential negative effect on therapeutic alliance.
What happens to people admitted to a specialist dementia unit in the west of Scotland?
Authors: Donaldson Andrew , Patrick Craig , Short Lindsay , Maginnis Helen
Published: June 2021

Aims

Recent local research examined mortality rates following admission to a dementia ward. We wanted to expand on this work and include other important health outcomes for patients admitted to our specialist in-patient dementia unit in the west of Scotland. This would provide a comprehensive overview of our in-patient population, aid service review and improve care. We hypothesised that patients admitted would be physically frail, have a significant mortality rate and would likely require long-term care post discharge.

Method

The clinical notes for each admission to the unit for one year were examined (total 62). We extracted data from a number of different areas such as demographics, mortality rates, discharge destination, readmission rates and prescribed medications.

Result

60% had an Alzheimer's/mixed dementia diagnosis. Average length of stay was 64 days. 62% were discharged to a care home (50% of this total had lived at home prior to admission), 18% to complex care and 20% to the community. 66% were prescribed an antipsychotic and the average number of medications was 8.4. 35% had a readmission under general medicine within a year of discharge. 19% died whilst an inpatient and a further 30% had died one year post-discharge (total one-year mortality of 44%).

Conclusion

People admitted to our dementia unit are physically frail, with only 20% returning to live in the community, 35% being readmitted to a general medical ward within a year of discharge and 44% dying during the admission or within a year of discharge. We need to bear these results in mind when considering if hospital admission is appropriate and ultimately further develop our skills in palliative and end of life care in order to provide those people admitted to our dementia unit (and those who remain at home) with the highest standard of care.
Evaluation of a specialist service model for treating body dysmorphic disorder (BDD): application of National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Guidelines for BDD (NICE, 2006)
Authors: Govender Anusha
Published: June 2021

Aims

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is still poorly recognised with a dearth of research into treatment. The OCD/BDD Service (South West London St. George's Mental Health NHS Trust) is a specialist service offering treatment for BDD using the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) stepped care model for BDD as a basis for service provision.

This is the only known study to date to evaluate the implementation of the NICE guidelines recommended treatment for BDD in clinical practice. Furthermore, a sample of patients and clinicians were interviewed to elicit their evaluation of treatment.

Method

A total of 48 patients with a primary diagnosis of BDD who were offered treatment between 2006 and 2018 were identified. Questionnaires routinely completed at time of assessment were Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale for BDD (YBOCS-BDD); Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS); Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS). Assessments were conducted by clinicians with expertise in BDD. Clinical data including risks and sociodemographic information were collated and analysed. Data were examined with intention to treat analysis. Thematic Analysis (TA) was used to analyse data from semi-structured interviews conducted with ten clinical staff and seven patients regarding their experiences of treatment. Qualitative data were coded and themes identified.

Result

Clinical data at assessment indicated impaired functioning plus high risks and substance misuse. There was a higher percentage of females (58%); average duration of BDD was 19.23 years. Clinical outcomes indicated significant improvements in the total sample from baseline on measures of BDD, depression and functioning (p = 0.001). Patients described their progress in terms of living skills, social interactions and quality of life. The main themes identified included the significance of the therapeutic relationship expressed by both patients and clinicians; the lack of early intervention and knowledge of BDD in healthcare.

Conclusion

Current recommendations for treating BDD were found to be beneficial overall. However, there are patients who are non-responders and including experiences of patients’ and clinicians’ perspectives provided valuable insights into other options for treatment which are lacking and could enhance current recommendations where CBT and medication have not enabled progress. The young onset age with long duration, highlights the need for developing awareness of BDD so that it is not a hidden disorder.
A review of patients discharged from Shannon Clinic- are shorter stays in secure hospitals associated with poorer patient outcomes?
Authors: Grimason Amy , East Adrian
Published: June 2021

Aims

Shannon Clinic was established as the regional secure unit in Northern Ireland in 2005 and provides medium secure care to Northern Ireland's population of 1.8 million. Previous research has shown that inpatient admissions are shorter when compared to other secure units. Northern Ireland has less secure beds per population than the other UK nations, which can be a driver for shorter hospital stays. This review was undertaken to examine if shorter inpatient stays were associated with poorer outcomes.

Method

All the discharges from Shannon Clinic to the Southern Health and Social Care Trust were reviewed over a period of 10 years (2009-2019). The outcome measures examined were mortality, readmission rate and reoffending rate. Crude rates for these were calculated. To allow for comparison, these rates were compared to the systematic review findings of Fazel et al (2016), which was an international review examining patient outcomes following discharge from secure hospitals.

DUNDRUM 1 Triage Security scores for the patient group were also reviewed, to ensure a sample representative of patients needing medium secure care.

Result

41 patients had been discharged during this period. DUNDRUM 1 Triage Security scores ranged from 2.44 to 3.2.

The average length of admission was 415.5 days. This is shorter than the average reported by Fazel et al (2016).

The crude rates for all of the variables calculated (mortality, readmission to hospital and reoffending) for patients discharged from Shannon to the trust were less of those reported in the systematic review by Fazel et al (2016).

Conclusion

This review suggests that patient outcomes are not negatively impacted by shorter inpatient stays in secure hospitals. A possible reason for this is the regional model of care approach, which helps ensure continuity and safe management of the transition between secure care and the community. In addition, there is close multidisciplinary working with supported living providers in the trust area to ensure patients' needs are met.

Following this initial review, there are now plans to review discharge outcomes for all patients discharged during this period. There are five trust areas in total in Northern Ireland so this will allow for comparison across the region.

The review has also been used within the unit to develop information leaflets for patients at admission and posters for display in the unit. We hope this will provide clarity to patients about secure care and a sense of optimism from the start of their admission.
Characterising a cohort of patients referred to a liaison psychiatry service from the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Hanks Jennifer , Fai Lam Chun Chiang Sin , McMullen Isabel , Parsons Martin
Published: June 2021

Aims

This is descriptive study of a cohort of patients referred to a liaison psychiatry service from the intensive care department of a major London teaching hospital and trauma centre. The objective was to characterise key patterns in reasons for referral, nature of input, and gain a general sense of the workload. The rationale for collating this information was the consideration to developing a specific intensive care liaison service given the increasing evidence about the cognitive and mental health impacts of post-intensive care syndrome and the need for a coordinated management approach between stakeholders.

Method

A cohort of 80 patients referred to liaison psychiatry service over a 6-month period from May to October 2020 was used. Descriptive statistics were used to characterise the patient's age, referring ward, reason for admission and referral, nature of input, number of reviews, previous engagement with mental health services, whether substance abuse or self-harm were related to the admission, and the destination upon discharge.

Result

The age range of patients at point of referral was 25-80 years. For 25% of patients, this admission marked their first engagement with secondary mental health services and for around 50%, not only was a new diagnosis given during the admission, but there was no recorded history of any psychiatric diagnoses. Around 10% of patients were referred for management of delirium. Anxiety disorder accounted for the greatest proportion of diagnoses upon discharge, at 22%. There was much variability in the number of intensive care ward reviews carried out, ranging from one to over 10.

In 24%, self-harm led to presentation and 18% had comorbid substance misuse. Medication review was the single most common reason for referral in 13%, whereas requests for talking therapy and capacity assessments were 5% and 2% respectively. The vast majority of patients required a level of ongoing psychiatric input warranting community involvement or admission.

Conclusion

This cohort often required detailed work-ups, new diagnoses and a high level of subsequent psychiatric management following discharge from hospital. The wide age range of patients meant that both working age and older adult liaison teams were involved in assessing referrals. Consideration could be given to a specific intensive-care liaison service due to the workload and complexity of needs, as well as the increasing awareness of the need for family support and early inclusion both for their benefit and that of the patient, particularly when the proportion of new diagnoses in this cohort is considered.
Evaluation of paediatric liaison psychiatry services in England 2015-2019
Authors: Hines Declan , Lee William , Ford Tamsin , Westwood Sophie
Published: June 2021

Aims

Liaison psychiatry services (LPSs) provide psychiatric care to general medical patients. This paper aims to evaluate LPS provision for children and young people In England.

Method

The annual Liaison Psychiatry Surveys of England (LPSEs) included questions on paediatric services from 2015 (LPSE-2). Questions were developed in consultation with NHS England and the Liaison Faculty of the Royal College of Psychiatrists. We analysed data from LPSE-2 and three subsequent surveys.

LPSs were systematically identified by contacting all acute hospitals with Type 1 emergency departments listed by NHS England. All identified LPSs were emailed a copy of the questionnaire, with follow-up emails and telephone contact for non-responders. Responses by email, post or telephone were accepted.

Result

The number of acute hospitals with access to paediatric LPSs increased from 29 (16%) in 2015 to 46 (27%) in 2019; all of these hospitals had access to adult LPSs. The number of paediatric LPSs with at least 11 full time equivalent (FTE) mental health practitioners (MHPs) has increased from 6% to 24% and from none to 16% with 13 FTE or more MHPs. For both LPSE-4 and LPSE-5, there were only two acute hospitals where both 8 FTE MHPs and 1.5 FTE consultants were present. For LPSE-4, only one site met the Core 24 criteria (for adults - there are no criteria for paediatric LPSs) of 11 FTE MHPs and 1.5 FTE consultants, and for LPSE-5, both these sites exceeded them. Other paediatric services did not meet the adult core 24 criteria for a LPS.

Acute hospitals with access to 24/7 paediatric LPSs increased from 12% to 19% between LPSE-4 and LPSE-5. In LPSE-5 68% of paediatric LPS worked to a one-hour response time target to the ED. This is an increase from 42% (14/33) in LPSE-4.

Conclusion

There are still far fewer paediatric than adult LPSs, but the provision of paediatric LPSs improved from 2015 to 2019, with more services, more staffing, and faster response times. Services need to continue to improve as few services match the adult core 24 criteria for an LPS.
PERCEIVE – Patterning Employment, Race, and Clinical Experience In Violence against Employees
Authors: McClure Ben , Reid Keith
Published: June 2021

Aims

PERCEIVE is a service evaluation counting whether nurse demographics correlate with reported subjection to violence and verbal aggression. The setting was a large mental health, learning disability and neuropsychiatry NHS trust in England. This continues our work to understand correlations reported in the literature between temporary staff and violence.

Method

We consulted the Caldicott, legal, equality & diversity, teams and gained service evaluation permission SER-19-031 from CNTW R&D department. We briefly consulted with staff regarding themes relevant to temporary nurse workers. They expressed concern that staff perceived to be “other” would be at more risk.

Employees’ age, ethnicity, employment status, nationality, length of service and seniority are routinely collected for the running of the trust. Therefore, these were anonymously collated then cross-referenced with violence and aggression incident reports (VA IR1s). Chi-squared was used to identify statistical significance. Ethno-national status was taken from self-report. We could not control for hours worked nor could we get agency staff demographic data.

We compared “exposure to at least one violent incident” in June, July and August 2019 against the following demographic categories:

Substantive vs bank staff

Band 5 and above vs band 4 and below

Staff with < 1 year of service vs staff with ≥ 1 year of service

“White British” staff vs Non-“White British” staff

“British” staff on self-report vs “Non-British” staff

Age ≤30 years vs ≥ 31years

A minimum of 1682 nursing staff were analysed for each category in each month.

Result

Substantive staff, “White British”, “British”, younger, and staff of shorter employment length had greater frequencies of at least one VA IR1s compared to the complementary groups. Length of service was significant only in two months but judged significant overall. There was no statistically significant correlation with seniority. Substantive staff have three times the risk vs bank staff, perhaps mediated by hours worked. Other risk ratios were in the region x1.2 to x1.8.

Conclusion

Being British, White British, younger, less experienced or substantive staff correlate with subjection to reported aggression. This did not fit with staff speculation during consultation. Survival effects may be relevant. We are working to get more detailed information. Induction may help reduce aggression against newer staff.
Evaluation of an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessment & treatment service
Authors: Nyein Chan , Oyewole David
Published: June 2021

Aims

The Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust ADHD clinic offers diagnosis and medication stabilisation for adults with ADHD, in preparation for discharge back to GP for continued prescribing and monitoring. Referral waiting time is shortened by efficiently managing the service and soon transfer of care to GP whilst referrals have been increasingly accepted years on years. A snap shot service evaluation was made to understand characteristics of service exploring its strength and areas to improve.

Method

All 115 patients offered in March and April 2019 for an ADHD specialist assessment were sampled from the new electronic patient record SystmOne in use since 1st March 2019.

Data were collected for

Male & Female ratio

Age range distribution

Clinical Commissioning Group referral source

Clinic attendance characteristics

ADHD diagnosis, sub-types and psychiatric comorbidity

ADHD Medication prescribed

FP10 Prescription duration by prescribers

Patient data were anonymously encoded into Microsoft Excel Sheet for sorting, counting, summating and illustrating into tables and pie charts.

Result

The male & female ratio of the sample was 6:5 and nearly half were in age range 20-29 years. Majority were referred from Westminster and West London Clinical Commissioning Groups.

107 patients completed the assessment, of which 106 were diagnosed as having an adult ADHD.

22% of follow-up clinics were cancelled or not attended (DNA) by patients. The majority of the patients (62%) required 1-2 follow-ups before transfer to GP, whilst 8% did not require or want follow-ups either already being on ADHD medication, not wanting medication or having lost to reviews. Only 3% require six or more follow-ups.

Majority were reviewed after two- to five-week prescription, the peak being four-weekly.

91% of completion to GP were discharged on ADHD medication, majority being singly on Elvanse (48%) and Concerta XL (25%). Discharge without ADHD medication was due to concerns for its addiction, preference on non-medication treatment, intolerance of medication adverse effect or mental health priority treatment.

Conclusion

Collaboration with GPs for their pre-treatment physical health screening facilitated prompt prescribing initiation on assessment with most discharges taken place after 1-2 follow-ups, enabling service turn-over with short waiting time (6-9 months in 2018/2019). Service expansion for increasing referral uptake is probably feasible from this baseline by appointing additional sessional clinicians and further efficiency management on clinic scheduling & DNA with a target majority likely requiring 1-2 follow-ups with average four-weekly prescribing.
Changes in patients characteristics and service provision in liaison psychiatry during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Passos Frederica , Constante Miguel , Delgado André , Heitor Maria João
Published: June 2021

Aims

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has led to core changes in the healthcare systems worldwide in terms of access, resources and patient's management. Patients admitted to a general hospital with COVID-19 are at a higher risk for developing or exacerbating various psychiatric disorders, due to the virus brain tropism and associated psychosocial factors. However, there are still limited data regarding the psychiatric needs and mental health care of these patients. The present study seeks to evaluate the changes in liaison psychiatry, patients’ characteristics and outcomes, brought on by SARS-CoV-2.

Method

We retrospectively analyzed liaison psychiatry patients’ characteristics during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, between October and December 2020, in comparison with the same trimester pre-COVID-19 in 2019.

Result

At admission to hospital, we found no differences between liaison psychiatry pre-COVID-19 (n = 96) and COVID-19 period (n = 114) groups, for age (p = 0.35), gender (p = 0.96), or hospital resource utilization in the previous year : number of hospital admissions (p = .40), Accident and Emergency presentations (p = 0.61), outpatients clinics (p = 0.20). There was, however, a significant association between pre-COVID-19 vs COVID-19 period groups and psychiatric diagnosis during hospitalization (Χ2(5) = 11.56, p = 0.04), influencing overall respective rates of delirium/dementias (29.2 vs 42.1 %), mood disorders (18.8 vs 26.3 %), anxiety and stress related disorders (22.9 vs 14.0 %), psychoactive substance use disorders (12.5 Vs 9.6 %) and psychotic disorders (10.4 vs 2.6 %). Mortality rate in pre-COVID-19 Vs COVID-19 period increased from 5.2 % to 15.8 % (Χ2(1) = 5.98, p = 0.01), mostly due to increased mortality in COVID-19 patients (7.3 vs 30.3 %, p < 0.001). Referrals to liaison psychiatry increased by 18.8 % during the COVID-19 period, 28.8 % of referred patients were positive for SARS-CoV-2 and time to referral was positively correlated with hospital length of stay (ρ = 0.60, p < 0.001). In the COVID-19 period, fewer patients were referred to outpatient psychiatric follow-up after discharge from hospital (p < 0.001), and delayed discharges for social reasons were of shorter duration (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Our findings are consistent with emerging data on comorbid or superimposed mental illness in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, showing a strong impact in neuropsychiatric mani-festations, clinical prognosis and mortality, as well as clinical management. Consideration should also be given to adequate staffing of psychiatry liaison services during the pandemic, in order to attend and safely manage general hospital inpatients mental health needs.
Clinical Audit cycle of Mental Health Act (MHA) documentation for patients on section 3 staying 90 days and over in adult wards at Roseberry park hospital
Authors: Ravishankar Rohini , Kumar Raj , Badanapuram Ramanand
Published: June 2021

Aims

To complete the audit cycle on compliance of MHA documentation (including MCA1 form at admission and 3 months, T2 form, SOAD request and T3 form authorization) on patients on section 3 staying 90 days and over in adult wards at Roseberry park hospital

Method

In the initial audit, we collected data from all inpatients on section 3 staying 90 days and over, in Adult acute and rehab wards on Roseberry park hospital between the time period 28/10/19–04/11/19. Using a designated audit data collection tool, information was gathered from each patient's electronic record pertaining to the standards. The same method was used in re-audit where data were collected from all inpatients on section 3 staying 90 days and over in Adult acute wards on Roseberry park hospital between the time period 04/11/20–11/11/20. To note, the rehab ward at Roseberry park hospital was closed in Feb 2020. The data were analysed by the project lead.

Result

In the initial audit, 16 patients records were identified as meeting criteria,out of these 7 (44%) patients were on acute wards and 9 (56%) at rehab ward. Where as in re-audit 5 patients records were identified as meeting criteria and all were on acute wards. Days in Hospital - Ranged from 120 days to 664 days, average being 295 days and median of 186 days in the initial audit compared to121 days to 290 days, average being 170 days and median of 150 days in the reaudit. Percentage of patients records with documented capacity assessment at admission and 3 months were same at 80% and 60% respectively in both audits.T2 form was completed in all consenting patients in both audits. SOAD request sent was recorded in only 1 (25%) patient in the reaudit, which was lower than the initial audit, where in SOAD request was sent in 7 (78%) patients but recorded in 5 (56%) of them. For patients lacking capacity, T3 form was documented only in 4 (45%) patients but T3 form authorisation was discussed with patient and evidenced in case notes in only 1(11%) case in the initial audit, where as in reaudit T3 form was not documented or discussed for any patient.

Conclusion

There needs to be improvement in MHA documentation for detained patients.
An audit of vitamin D monitoring and management of deficiency in women's secure services
Authors: Bustin Claire , Pantall Shay-Anne , Rampling Jeremy
Published: June 2021

Aims

To audit the investigation, identification and treatment of vitamin D deficiency within Women's Secure Services.

Background

It has been suggested that vitamin D and vitamin D deficiency may play a role in the pathogenesis of psychiatric illness. There is evidence that vitamin D inadequacy is prevalent among patients in long-term hospital settings. Patients within secure hospitals are considered to be at high risk due to their often lengthy admissions, having been transferred from other hospital or prison settings. Ardenleigh in Birmingham is a blended female secure unit. Here we present the findings of an audit, completed in 2019, of vitamin D monitoring and treatment in this service.

Method

A retrospective review of electronic patient records, for all inpatients admitted within women's secure services at Ardenleigh as of 1st September 2019 (n = 27). Standards were based on the Trust accepted guidelines for management of vitamin D deficiency.

Result

Key findings included:-

The majority of inpatients were Caucasian (44%) and African-Caribbean (41%). Median age was 31 years (range 20–56).

Approximately two-thirds (60%) had been in hospital for over a year.

89% of patients had their vitamin D level checked at some point during admission.

Of those checked, 25% were tested within 1 week of admission. Seven patients were tested after being in hospital for over one year (30%).

Only 25% of patients tested were found to have adequate vitamin D levels. Nine patients were found to have insufficient levels of vitamin D (37.5%) or deficiency (37.5%).

89% of those identified as requiring treatment were prescribed supplementation, of which the majority was prescribed at the correct dose for the appropriate duration (94%). One patient refused treatment. Of those with sufficient levels, 67% were prescribed ongoing maintenance treatment due to previously detected deficiency.

Of those found to have sufficient vitamin D in the last 12 months (n = 14), 71% were continued on maintenance treatment.

Conclusion

We identified a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in women admitted to secure services. Testing was delayed for a number of patients from the point of admission. However, once identified, the vast majority of those in need of treatment were managed appropriately by the medical team. We advise that vitamin D be considered an essential routine blood test at the point of admission to minimise delays in identifying those with deficiency and establishing necessary supplementation.