Profile and activities of a rural home-based psychiatric treatment service in Ireland

Abstract

Objectives. This study described the profile, activities and patient-related outcomes of a long-established home-based treatment (HBT) service in Ireland. Methods. A retrospective descriptive study design was adopted to review and describe the activities of the Cavan HBT team over a 5-year period. Data including demographics, referral details, duration of admissions and outcome/disposal were retrospectively collected from the home treatment team mental health register of admissions between 2006 and 2010. Data were analysed using SPSS version 15 for windows. Results. A total of 783 patients were referred to the team over the study period, of which 722 were admitted for home treatment. Most referrals (51%) were from General Practitioners and the commonest reason for referral/admission for home treatment was low mood (26%). While 10% required stepped-up care to the psychiatric inpatient unit, 77% were successfully discharged to the out-patient clinic for routine follow-up care. Conclusions. Common psychiatric illnesses can be safely and effectively managed with HBT within the context of a spectrum of therapeutic options in a community psychiatric service.

Key words::

• Home-based treatment
• crisis resolution team
• activities
• profile
• outcomes

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all staff of Cavan HBT Team, past and present, whose continued striving for excellent clinical care and robust record keeping provided the basis for this study.

Statement of interest

None of the authors reports conflicts of interest.