Comparison of liaison psychiatry service models for older patients

Aims and Method At a London teaching hospital, the existing off-site consultation model psychiatric liaison service for older people was replaced with an on-site liaison model service in December 2000. Several indicators of the functioning of the service were audited using identical methods before and after this change. Results The case-load increased by 50%, but the liaison psychiatrists were more satisfied with the appropriateness of referrals. The case mix did not change. The new service achieved target waiting times more consistently, particularly for urgent referrals. Referring teams were more satisfied with the speed of response, while the new service maintained the salience and clarity of advice. Clinical Implications Findings are on the whole favourable, and support the wider introduction of specialist old-age liaison psychiatric services.