Consultation–liaison Psychiatry Services to Nursing Homes

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present paper is to review current opinion relating to the provision of mental health consultation to nursing homes, and to provide recommendations for future research. Method: The current literature pertaining to consultation–liaison psychi atry within nursing homes was reviewed. Results: There is a paucity of well-designed empirical studies of mental health service provision to Australian nursing homes. This is of particular concern given the ageing Australian population and the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms in nursing home residents. Psychiatric consultation and liaison to nursing homes may result in reduced need for crisis inter vention, improved use of behavioural management strategies for the symp toms associated with dementia, and reduced nursing home staff stress and burnout. Conclusions: Further research is required to evaluate the costs and benefits of providing regular mental health services to nursing homes in Australia, particularly in rural areas. Future service development should be complemented by methodologically sound evaluation.