An evaluation of the Stratford multiagency, multidisciplinary, assessment clinic
ISSN: 1361-9322
Article publication date: 23 August 2021
Issue publication date: 30 November 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to assess a novel clinic whereby new patients were discussed in a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary panel and given feedback on the same day. The objectives were to determine the impacts on time to commencing treatment, need for further assessment, discharges and staff and patient experiences.
Design/methodology/approach
Outcomes from the new assessment clinic were compared to previous individual assessments. Feedback questionnaires were given to patients, while a focus group was conducted with staff.
Findings
There was a significant reduction in the time to agreeing a treatment plan (34 days to <1 day), the need for further assessment (61%–23.2%) and a significant increase in the proportion discharged from secondary care (26.9%–49.8%). Clinician and patient feedback on the clinic was positive.
Practical implications
The model of a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary clinic could be used for assessing new referrals to community mental health teams.
Originality/value
The use of a multi-agency, multi-disciplinary clinic is a novel approach within community mental health teams which led to improvements in efficiency, while demonstrating positive patient and clinician feedback.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Declaration of interest: None to declare.
Citation
Cooper, C., Liu, H., Rowland, T., Prajapati, R., Hurlock, T. and Owen, A. (2021), "An evaluation of the Stratford multiagency, multidisciplinary, assessment clinic", Mental Health Review Journal, Vol. 26 No. 4, pp. 392-402. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHRJ-02-2021-0012
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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