A Quality Improvement Project: Improving the Presentation of Assessments Within a Liaison Psychiatry Department

Aims This Quality Improvement Project (QIP) was undertaken within a Liaison Psychiatry (LP) department at district general hospital in North West London. The current service model has LP nurses and junior doctors providing first contact with patients, subsequently discussing assessments the team psychiatrists. A need for effective communication when presenting clinical cases emerged given high rates of staff turnover. aims this QIP were; (1) To assess quality presentations multidisciplinary (2) to deliver targeted teaching session focused on frameworks assessment presentation (3) evaluate effectiveness intervention. Methods ‘SBAR: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation’ tool already used widely healthcare adapted by an MDT including doctors, senior pharmacist. survey designed input collect data about content using Likert scales, quantitative global score qualitative highlighting areas improvement. Over two weeks, members completed surveys every patient discussion. delivered SBAR including: complaint, medical issues, referral question, psychiatric background, mental state examination, delirium/cognitive screening, risk assessment, impression management plan. included breakout groups vignettes practice presenting. All filled pre- post-intervention rating their confidence received copies materials. Data were collected over 2-week period same methodology as pre-intervention. Post-intervention presented feedback sought improvement next cycle. Results Pre-intervention (n=30) indicated plan often missed from presentations. Following teaching, felt more confident assessments, formulating impressions, plans. (n=22) showed inclusion all key information covered except percentage ≥7 increased 41% 57%. Conclusion ‘Plan, Do, Study, Act’ cycle modestly improved identified critical tools LP. We will perform another February 2023 turnover continue seek improve