Service innovations: Is there a market for neuropsychiatry? A year in the life of a district-based neuropsychiatry service

Abstract

Aims and MethodThis paper describes the clinical activity of a district neuropsychiatry service over a 1-year period. The data presented are drawn from a clinical database with individuals classified according to the following diagnostic groups: acquired brain injury, early-onset dementia, Huntington's disease, epilepsy, other neurological disorders, developmental disorders and non-organic disorders. Information is presented on out-patient case-load, new out-patient referrals, general hospital referrals and in-patient admissions.ResultsThe total out-patient case-load was 451; 189 new out-patient and 99 liaison referrals were seen and 90 individuals were admitted. Acquired brain injury was the most common neurological diagnosis in all groups.Clinical ImplicationsThe demand for this service indicates that there is a market for neuropsychiatry, even at a district level, and particularly in the management of the sequelae of acquired brain injury.