Abstract
The needs of acute psychiatric patients have been less studied than those of long-term patients. A pilot study of needs assessment using the MRC Needs for Care Assessment Schedule is reported in 35 consecutive acute inpatients who had been in hospital for 1 month or more. Unmet clinical needs included treatment of drug side effects and dangerous and socially embarrassing behaviour. Unmet social needs were widespread and included household shopping, cooking meals, occupation and money management. Although the MRC Needs for Care Assessment was found unsuitable for assessing needs in very acutely ill patients whose mental status was rapidly changing, we did find it a useful instrument in more stable acute patients, both on an individual basis and for identifying service underprovision.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Accepted: 22 July 1997
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Stansfeld, S., Orrell, M., Mason, R. et al. A pilot study of needs assessment in acute psychiatric inpatients. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 33, 136–139 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/s001270050034
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s001270050034