title: The development of clinical indicators for a consultation-liaison service.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this paper is to describe the development and implementation of clinical indicators in the consultation-liaison service at Royal Melbourne Hospital (RMH).
  
  
  METHODS
  A working party lead by the University of Melbourne was established in 1998 to develop clinical indicators and a database for the RMH consultation-liaison service. Core parameters for measuring service functioning and six clinical indicators were developed. The system was implemented using a data collection form and computerised database operating within a system of regular clinical reviews.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The clinical indicators, database and review system were found to be a feasible, useful and efficient addition to a consultation-liaison service at a major general hospital.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clinical indicators may be used within specialist psychiatry services to enhance clinical care and aid in service development and teaching.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. a.holmes@medicine.unimelb.edu.au
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Holmes
authors.forename: F K
authors.initials: FK
authors.lastname: Judd
authors.forename: J H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Lloyd
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dakis
authors.forename: E F
authors.initials: EF
authors.lastname: Crampin
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Katsenos
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000193:education; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013663:Teaching