A systematic review and expert consensus study of patient safety in mental health

Abstract

Background: Despite the growing international interest in patient safety as a discipline there has been a lack of exploration of its application to mental health. It cannot be assumed that findings based upon physical health in acute care hospitals can be applied to mental health patients, disorders and settings. This systematic review and expert consensus study will explore the research base on patient safety in mental health and identify future research priorities for understanding and improving patient safety in mental health. Methods: A systematic search will be conducted across multiple databases based upon three search facets (mental health, patient safety and research). Screening, quality assessment and data extraction will be conducted in accordance with the research questions. Extracted information will be analysed and synthesised thematically. Alongside the review, an international expert consensus study will be conducted. Expected results: We expect to identify key patient safety incidents in mental health and a list of future research priorities to guide the development of a broader programme of translational research studies at Imperial. Current stage of work: The search strategy has been developed with input from the National Reporting and Learning System taxonomy of patient safety incidents and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Version Five). A roundtable event to launch the expert consensus study is planned for 23rd February 2016. Discussion: This work will help set the agenda for academics and policy makers and support the development and implementation of interventions to improve the quality of care experienced by patients.