A 12-Month Follow Up of the Implementation of Clinical Indicators in a Consultation–Liaison Service

Abstract

Objectives: This paper reviews the use of clinical indicators in a consultation–liaison (C–L) service over a 12-month period at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. Method: Clinical indicators and C–L data were collected during the 1999 calendar year. A review of the process was conducted during and after completion of the 12-month period. Results: The system was found to be practical and useful. The use of clinical indicators led to the identification of problems and stimulated effective interventions. The use of the clinical indicators was associated with improvement in communication between C–L staff, parent units and practitioners providing follow-up. Conclusions: The implementation of a database and clinical indicators was a useful addition to the C–L service. The use of clinical indicators was effective in improving clinical performance. These benefits need to be balanced against increased administrative burden.