Unrestricted access to mental health services.
BACKGROUND
This study examines referrals to a nurse-led, community-based, acute psychiatric assessment and treatment centre in the north west of England which operates an open referral system. Data were collated over 12 months and the total number of assessments was 1,544. It focused on the appropriateness of emergency assessments, which accounted for 29 per cent (n = 446) of the total. In considering 'appropriateness' the authors examined each assessment by source, risk, diagnosis and outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
The results show that professionals and non-health professionals, such as the patient themselves, carers or a voluntary group, are equally likely to make inappropriate referrals, but, overall, open access was used efficiently by both groups. The results also indicate that open access to the service enabled early intervention for high-risk client groups. Implications for professionals and services are discussed.
Smith
Carol
C
Gatehouse Assessment Centre, Warrington. Carol.Smith@warrchc-tr.nwest.nhs.uk
Embling
Sandra
S
Price
Patricia
P
D003151:Community Health Centers / Q000458:organization & administration; D003152:Community Health Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D004739:England; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006300:Health Services Misuse; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000592:standards; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration; D013222:State Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration