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The above mentioned article in the BMJ of 17th September makes interesting
reading. The trial was well thought through and planned. As is expected in
any such trial all eventualities cannot be planned for. Crisis teams now
operate in almost all parts of England, and most psychiatrists are
familiar with their role. However few questions come to mind after reading
the article.
Firstly, were the patient groups similar in the severity of the crises?
They were matched for diagnoses,etc.but were they matched for the severity
as it would affect outcome. This is a difficult thing to measure, but
vital nonetheless.
Secondly, has the intervention by crisis teams shown to lead to a
reduction in suicide rates, the ultimate adverse outcome in mental health.
Thirdly, has the long-term patient outcome been altered by intervention by
crisis teams and avoiding hospital admission, or has the crisis been
postponed?
These are some questions that would need to be addressed before we can be
certain of the efficacy of this intervention.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests:
No competing interests
29 September 2005
Achal Mishra
Consultant Psychiatrist
Anurita Singh
Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 6BE
Crisis Teams: Do they improve mental health care or prevent admission?
Dear Sir/Madam
The above mentioned article in the BMJ of 17th September makes interesting
reading. The trial was well thought through and planned. As is expected in
any such trial all eventualities cannot be planned for. Crisis teams now
operate in almost all parts of England, and most psychiatrists are
familiar with their role. However few questions come to mind after reading
the article.
Firstly, were the patient groups similar in the severity of the crises?
They were matched for diagnoses,etc.but were they matched for the severity
as it would affect outcome. This is a difficult thing to measure, but
vital nonetheless.
Secondly, has the intervention by crisis teams shown to lead to a
reduction in suicide rates, the ultimate adverse outcome in mental health.
Thirdly, has the long-term patient outcome been altered by intervention by
crisis teams and avoiding hospital admission, or has the crisis been
postponed?
These are some questions that would need to be addressed before we can be
certain of the efficacy of this intervention.
Competing interests:
None declared
Competing interests: No competing interests