Clinical effectiveness on an acute in-patient psychiatric unit

The paper outlines a model for addressing clinical effectiveness, and an illustration of how this is practically implemented through team working in a multidisciplinary in-patient environment. This is particularly relevant given the number of recent reports that highlight the need to develop and invest in the in-patient services. The difficulty in implementing evidence-based practice for mental health interventions is also addressed and initiatives being developed to enable a realistic approach in such an environment are described. The paper describes a structure and a process, using examples from audit, research and other initiatives particular to the unit, in providing accessible evidence based interventions for ward based staff, and improved clinical effectiveness generally.