Evaluation of a new mental health liaison team in a general hospital. Part 2: exploring the themes and their effect on practice

Hospitals and emergency departments (EDs) are caring for increasing numbers of patients who present with underlying mental health issues. Managing these patients can be challenging for clinical staff who often lack the specialist knowledge and skills required to provide appropriate care. This article, the second of a two-part series on the evaluation of a newly formed mental health liaison team (MHLT) working in a general hospital, explores three themes derived from the interview data. It also considers the effect of these themes on practice, and the relationship between MHLT members and staff in EDs and the wider hospital.