Rapid response calls in inpatient psychiatric units

Objective: To assess the rates of serious medical issues on psychiatry wards by determining the rate, indication and outcomes of rapid response calls. Method: Using retrospective file review, information regarding rapid response calls during an 8-month period was analysed. Results: Seventy-two rapid response calls were recorded; 7.5% of the admissions involved a rapid response call. Of patients who required a rapid response call, 88.6% had medical comorbidities. Also, 29.2% of rapid response calls required transfer to another ward. Conclusions: Patients on psychiatry wards frequently require urgent medical intervention. Improved collaboration and service planning between general medical and psychiatric service is required to improve clinical care and outcomes for this high-risk group.