Physical Healthcare of Inpatients in Mental Health Hospitals

This study has been commissioned by the Healthcare Quality Improvement Partnership
as part of the Clinical Outcome Review Programme into Medical & Surgical care, as part of the current contract awarded in 2015
For information on how we use data click here

Data collection for study: Data collection closed
Publication date:       Spring 2022  (TBC)  

Please note that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, activity on this study was temporarily suspended.

Aim: To identify and explore remediable factors in the physical healthcare of adult patients admitted to an inpatient mental health facility.

Objectives:

Organisational: To review the provision of services, organisational structures and the policies in place to facilitate the physical health needs of this group of patients. Focusing on:

• Assessment and monitoring
• Treatment
• Support for patient and carer involvement
• Timely escalation
• Access to appropriate expertise/services
• Discharge-planning
• Mechanisms to support continuity of care
• Communication
• Medication
• Training
• Application of the Mental Capacity Act

Clinical: To identify and review remediable factors in the overall quality of care provided, particularly focusing on:

• Access to physical health care
• Communication
• Inappropriate or delayed interventions and/or escalation of care
• Missed opportunities to intervene in patients at risk
• Management of medications
• Care planning for safe discharge
• Asessment of capacity and consent
• The overall standard of care and treatment provided

Participation: All inpatient mental health hospitals in England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands and Isle of Man, where patients are receiving healthcare for a time limited period for a primary mental health condition with expectation of discharge to an alternative setting.

NB. Please see the study protocol for more information.

Study protocol: The study protocol can be downloaded from the Download Links section on the right.

Definitions:
Please click here for the study definitions.

Further questions about the study may be directed to:phmh@ncepod.org.uk