Enhancing the effectiveness of an assertive outreach team: Case study

Abstract

Aims and method: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Harrow Assertive Outreach Team in reducing hospital admissions. We compared first- and second-year admissions of a cohort of 76 patients. Results: Significant reductions in the number of admissions and number of days admitted were noted in the second year. In the subcohort of patients admitted in both years, the reduction in the number of admissions was significant but reduction in number of days admitted was not. Clinical implications: Hospital admissions may be reduced by appointment of consultant psychiatrist and approved mental health practitioner, home treatment approach and intensive case management. Declaration of interest: All authors are members of the Harrow Assertive Outreach Team.