From inter-agency to multidisciplinary work in a sector generic mental health team

The effects of establishing a full multidisciplinary community psychiatric team in central London are described. The nature of referrals, and referrers' satisfaction with the service were examined during two comparable six-month periods, before and after the changes. The number and severity of referrals increased, and referrers were more satisfied with the new service. In contrast to the inter-agency model, the new multidisciplinary team was associated with more appropriate referral of those patients with the greatest need for specialist services. Clinical skill mix in the team and referrer education are the two factors most likely to have promoted these important changes. The key role of the psychiatrist in a full multidisciplinary team who can empower multi-professional case managers in their day-to-day management of severely ill patients is highlighted.