Risk assessment of psychiatric in-patients: Audit of completion of a risk assessment tool

Abstract

Aims and method: Two complete audit cycles were used to assess the completion of a bespoke risk assessment tool and whether an educational intervention, and subsequently the introduction of a standardised admission pack, led to improvements in completion rates. Results: The total rate of completion of forms improved from 60% to 81% following a brief educational intervention in the form of a lecture and email about the audit. The subsequent introduction of a standardised admission pack containing the tool maintained completion rates. Clinical implications: Audit coupled with a simple educational intervention can improve the completion of risk assessment forms by medical and nursing staff.