The evaluation of a highly specialist inpatient psychologist working with patients with high risk presentations in an acute mental health inpatient setting

Objective: To evaluate the function and impact of a highly specialist psychologist working with high risk patients in an acute mental health inpatient setting. The impact was examined on outcomes such as risk related incidents, re-admission, average length of stay, and use of restrictive practice. / Method: A mixed methods service evaluation of a pilot project was undertaken to examine the impact of the specialist psychologist role on these outcomes over a 17-month period. Demographic and clinical data was collected for 18 patients who were seen by the psychologist. Routinely collected clinical data examining risk incidents, re-admission rates, average length of stay, and use of restrictive practice, were also used to evaluate outcome across the evaluation period (at baseline and six-month follow-up). / Results: The specialist psychologist provided input to patients’ care and undertook a variety of direct and indirect work and training. Examination of descriptive routine clinical data indicated a slight reduction in risk related incidents, readmissions, and average length of stay after the introduction of the psychologist role, however these were not statistically significant. / Conclusion: These initial findings suggest the potential for outcome improvement, but further, more robust research is required to see if such a role can have a significant impact on outcomes.