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Feasibility of a structured risk assessment tool in general adult psychiatry admissions

^*Murray Royal Hospital, Muirhall Road, Perth PH2 7BH, email: helensmith6{at}nhs.net

Tom White, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist

Murray Royal Hospital, Perth

Declaration of interest

None.

AIMS AND METHOD

To assess the feasibility of using a structured risk assessment tool (Historical Clinical Risk 20-Item (HCR-20) Scale) in general adult psychiatry admissions and the characteristics of ‘high-risk’ patients. A notes review and interviews were used to conduct an HCR-20 assessment of 135 patients admitted to Murray Royal Hospital, Scotland.

RESULTS

Patients scoring higher on the HCR-20 were discharged earlier and more likely to have a diagnosis of personality disorder and a comorbid diagnosis.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

It was possible to complete an HCR-20 assessment of over 80% of patients within 48 h of admission.

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