Information on co-morbidity on inpatient admissions

Dear Editor – The HRB would be delighted to include information on co-morbidity on inpatient admissions as suggested by Dixit and Payne (Ir J Psych Med 2008, 25(4)). We would be happy to do so were secondary or accompanying diagnoses supplied to us as our forms/systems allow. Unfortunately clinicians seldom if ever return co-morbid diagnostic information; indeed it is at times difficult enough to acquire a principal or preliminary diagnosis. It is understandable that diagnosticians may have difficulty in complex presentations in establishing a definitive diagnosis at or shortly after admission and for this reason the facility for assigning a preliminary diagnosis on admission is provided. Where a preliminary diagnosis is later superseded there is accommodation on the forms for a final discharge diagnosis. The HRB is most anxious to progress information systems in mental health services as recommended in A Vision for Change and is in the process of significant developments in this field in collaboration with HSE and other stakeholders (www.hrb.ie). We would be delighted to present and review with psychiatrists (consultants and trainees) our activities in this area. Accordingly we would be happy to make presentations to such bodies or groups as are thought relevant through the Irish Post Graduate Training Committee or the College of Psychiatrists in Ireland. Antoinette Daly, Dermot Walsh, Health Research Board, Dublin 2. Antoinette Daly Research Officer Mental Health Research Unit Health Research Board An Bord Taighde Sláinte Knockmaun House 42-47 Lower Mount Street Dublin 2, Ireland.