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Home-based crisis team in North Cork service description and patient-related outcomes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 December 2017

G. Lalevic*
Affiliation:
St. Michael’s Psychiatric Unit (HSE), Mercy University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
A. Suhail
Affiliation:
Acute Mental Health Unit, Cork University Hospital (HSE), Wilton, Cork, Ireland
H. Doyle
Affiliation:
North Cork Catchment Area (HSE), St Stephens Psychiatric Hospital, Cork, Ireland
*
*Address for correspondence: Dr G. Lalevic, St. Michael’s Psychiatric Unit (HSE), Mercy University Hospital, Cork, Ireland T12 WE28. (Email: [email protected])

Abstract

Objective

Home-based crisis team (HBCT) in North Cork was established in 2013 to provide short term, intensive home treatment to people who are experiencing acute mental health problems, with the aim of averting hospital admission wherever possible or supporting patients discharged from hospital.

Methods

A retrospective descriptive study design was adopted to describe the activities of the North Cork HBCT over a 1 year period. Data were analysed using R version 3.4.0 for Windows.

Results

A total of 388 patients were referred to the HBCT in 2015, of which 328 required assessments. General practitioners (GPs) made 56% of all referrals. The most common referral reason was low mood (40%). Stepped-up care to the psychiatric inpatient unit was required for 12.4% of patients, 62% were discharged to the outpatient clinic for routine follow-up.

Conclusion

Many common psychiatric presentations can be managed at home with the support of the HBCT although hospital admission is required for significant numbers.

Type
Short Report
Copyright
© College of Psychiatrists of Ireland 2017 

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