Abstract
A total of 129 ward referrals were identified; of these, 78 were from the regional in-patient neurological unit, which comprised 11.4% of the total of 679 admissions to that unit. Clinical implications A spectrum of neuropsychiatric conditions were recognised by neurologists, but overall rates of recognition were low. To address the problem of under-recognition, routine screening with validated assessment tools can represent a cost-effective and acceptable method to detect psychiatric disorders in an in-patient neurological setting. Declaration of Interest None.
Highlights
The patient electronic records system used to record every contact with patients was searched to retrieve the primary ICD-10 diagnoses for each patient. These results were compared against those available in the published literature on neuropsychiatry and adult liaison psychiatry services referral patterns. Those referred to the neuropsychiatry service from the acute neurology ward were compared against admission data for that ward to establish rates of referral
As a reason for referral, ‘agitation’ was associated most with organic disorders, ‘suicidal’ with adjustment disorder and organic mood. This is a retrospective study of referrals from a regional neurology unit, which can come with its own limitations
It may suggest that neurology colleagues have a high threshold for referral to the psychiatric services
Summary
A total of 129 referrals were identified in the year 2014. They were evenly dispersed across age groups, with a small peak in the age group 50–59. In terms of face-to-face contacts made, 32% received initial assessment only, 27% were seen twice, 15% were seen three times, and 10% were seen four times. The cumulative sum of all face-to-face contacts (first assessment and follow-up) was 311. The first assessments lasted 45–75 minutes and 90% were seen within 2 working days of the date of referral. More than one reason for referral was provided; the percentages do not total 100%. As a reason for referral, ‘agitation’ was associated most with organic disorders, ‘suicidal’ with adjustment disorder and organic mood
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