Completing the cycle: The use of audit to develop a mental health service in times of austerity. (December 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shah, Nisha; Donaldson, Lucinda; Giridhar, Ramya
• Is Part Of: Obstetric medicine. Volume 6:Number 4(2013)
• Page Start: 165
• Page End: 168
• Publication Date: 2013-12
• Subjects: High-risk pregnancy -- mental illness -- audit -- service development; Pregnancy -- Complications -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; 618.2
• DOI: 10.1177/1753495X13486780
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1753-495X

Abstract

Background: A published audit demonstrated that a pilot psychiatric clinic failed to capture predicted numbers of women with severe and enduring mental illness. Methods: On the basis of recommendations from this audit, along with those from the Royal College of Psychiatrists and NICE guidelines, a more comprehensive psychiatric service was developed to meet this demand and therefore manage risk more effectively. Results: Over the course of a year, the new service attracted a higher rate of referrals of pregnant women with severe and enduring mental illness. The majority referral source continued to be midwifery-led. Conclusions: Audit is a useful tool for evaluating and informing service development and helped us identify further improvements needed to deliver an effective mental health service.