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Huyse, F.J., Herzog, T., Lobo, A., Malt, U.F., Opmeer, B.C., Stein, B., Cardoso, G., et al. (2001) Consultation-Liaison Psychiatric Service Delivery: Results from a European Study. General Hospital Psychiatry, 23, 124-132.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0163-8343(01)00139-6

has been cited by the following article:

• TITLE: Estimation of Costs-Savings and Improved Patient Outcomes of Implementing a Consultation-Liaison Service at Health Sciences North

  AUTHORS: Elendu Okoronkwo

  KEYWORDS: Consultation-Liaison, Psychiatry, Cost-Savings, Staff Satisfaction

  JOURNAL NAME: Open Journal of Psychiatry, Vol.9 No.3, June 26, 2019

  ABSTRACT: Objective: The study was conducted to assess the implementation of a psychiatric consultation-liaison service (C-L) from the perspective of cost-savings, staff satisfaction, patient satisfaction and to assess the general features of patients referred to the C-L service. Methodology: Cost-savings were evaluated using a large cohort of referrals to the hospital were identified using data derived from the Institute of Clinical Evaluative Sciences (N = 2246); these data were divided into pre and post periods with respect to imitation of the C-L service. To evaluate staff satisfaction, 170 nurses and physicians completed an online survey. Patient satisfaction was assessed through a survey assessing various aspects of their experiences with the C-L service that was completed by each patient (N = 40). Finally referrals to the C-L service (N = 445) were analyzed to discern indicators of the C-L service’s efficacy (i.e. reasons for referral, time to accommodate referral). Results: The data indicated: 1) a reduction in the number of re-admissions and length of stay after the initiation of the C-L service translating into significant cost-savings for the hospital, 2) that increased staff satisfaction was associated with providing confidence, support, and improved communication, and 3) that the C-L service accommodated approximately 90% of patients within 1 day. Conclusion: The results of this study support stakeholders’ decisions to implement C-L services and also indicate areas of improvement that may improve the quality of C-L services within other institutions.