The development of clinical indicators for a consultation-liaison service.
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.
Holmes
A C
AC
Department of Psychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia. a.holmes@medicine.unimelb.edu.au
Judd
F K
FK
Lloyd
J H
JH
Dakis
J
J
Crampin
E F
EF
Katsenos
S
S
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