Evaluation of a new mental health liaison team in a general hospital. Part 1: background and literature review

Hospitals and emergency departments (EDs) are caring for increasing numbers of patients who present with underlying mental health issues. Management of these patients can be challenging for clinical staff, who often lack the specialist knowledge and skills required to provide appropriate care. A mental health liaison service (MHLT) was introduced in Rotherham Hospital in April 2015 as part of a two-year pilot. The aim was to provide assessment and treatment for adults with mental health problems admitted to the hospital. An evaluation of the new MHLT was undertaken, to assess the effects of the service. This article, part one of two, reviews the literature, and outlines the background to, and method of, the evaluation. Part two examines the themes revealed by analysis of the MHLT participants’ responses.