Documenting psychiatric risk: more than ticking boxes. (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ng, Lillian; Zeng, Irene; Kalinowski, Coni; Watson, Peter
• Is Part Of: Australasian psychiatry. Volume 27:Number 6(2019:Dec.)
• Page Start: 625
• Page End: 629
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: risk assessment -- risk formulation -- audit; Psychiatry -- Australasia -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1177/1039856219859272
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1039-8562

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to audit the completion of risk assessment documentation by staff working within an acute adult mental health setting. Method: Fifty risk assessment forms in a district health board's acute adult mental health service were audited for completion. Clinicians provided verbal feedback on the audit results. Results: Risk assessment forms were completed in 58.3% of cases. A risk formulation statement was completed in 43.8% of cases. Rates of completion varied between senior medical officers, registrars and nurses. Conclusion: Accurate risk formulation and safety planning are more important than ensuring all boxes are ticked on a form. Optimising the design of electronic forms may enhance access to information about historical risk.