[Implementation of a protocol for neuropsychiatric disease surveillance in a general hospital]

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Public Health
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic led to a rise in neuropsychiatric conditions.
• Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) proactive models are crucial for managing these conditions in general hospitals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a protocol for integrating neuropsychiatric symptom screening into routine clinical practice.
• To enhance the management and prevention of neuropsychiatric diseases within hospital settings.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model to adapt an existing Neuropsychiatric Surveillance protocol.
• Modified the protocol within a clinical hospital setting during the COVID-19 pandemic by the CLP team.

Main Results:

• Developed a flowchart for active inpatient follow-up of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including management and referral pathways.
• Introduced the COSMOS tool for identifying risk factors and guiding prevention strategies for neuropsychiatric diseases.
• Provided recommendations for pre-discharge evaluations to ensure continuity of care.

Conclusions:

• The protocol enables early and timely interventions for neuropsychiatric symptoms during hospitalization.
• Established criteria for continuity of care post-discharge, aiming to improve overall hospital quality.
• Aims to reduce the disparity between mental and physical health care delivery.