Multidisciplinary perspectives on quality improvement areas for consultation-liaison psychiatry services in Australian hospitals.

Abstract

ObjectiveThis study investigated the perspectives of multidisciplinary staff regarding consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP) services in Australian public hospitals.MethodA cross-sectional survey was distributed to CLP service providers (CLP staff and managers) and non-CLP hospital staff (allied health professionals, peer workers, and medical staff from Victoria and Tasmania). The survey assessed perceptions of response times, satisfaction, and areas for improvement in bed-based CLP service provision. Open-ended responses were analysed thematically.ResultsA total of 222 staff from diverse disciplines and settings participated. Most participants (65%) reported that patients were reviewed within an acceptable timeframe, and 90% were at least moderately satisfied with CLP performance. Frequently endorsed areas for improvement were enhanced communication, increased resource allocation (staff, skill-mix, outpatient clinics), development of referral guidelines, and greater integration with medical teams. Non-CLP staff expressed frustrations with barriers to service delivery, particularly limited telephone access and medical clearance hurdles. Multiple CLP respondents believed that CLP's role continues to be poorly understood by non-psychiatry staff. They also called for digitally integrated workflows to improve efficiency.ConclusionThis study highlights the essential role of CLP services in Australian public hospitals and identifies workforce, leadership, and infrastructure improvements as key priorities for enhancing service quality.