The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #65563

Carole A. Morris and Phil Mackie. Lothian NHS Board, Deaconess House, 148 Pleasance, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

The aim of the project was to pull together an epidemiological statement using routine information to identify the current situation concerning people with mental health conditions within Edinburgh. This was carried out using routinely available information resources from primary and secondary health care.

Using one of the most developed routine datasets in Scotland, Scottish Morbidity Records (SMR), individual hospital episodes were analysed in relation to specific mental health conditions and service usage. Local populations and socio-economic influences were investigated and statistical comparisons within the following settings:

· GP Consultation prevalence and incidence rates · Prescribing of drugs associated with mental health conditions · Outpatients · Inpatients at psychiatric facilities

The data sources, above, allows record linkage of hospital episodes and death records, to be carried out and an examination of patient’s pathways through the acute healthcare sector made. In particular the project looked at analysis between psychiatric inpatient care and admissions for deliberate self-harm, psychiatric inpatient care and suicide and readmission rates. Furthermore comparisons were made between primary and secondary care in order to identify in shifts in care patterns particularly in light of the national shift towards provide more care and support within the community.

There is great benefit gained from the use of routine datasets. In this project the ability to identify, at an individual patient level, a discrete population using the linked dataset and compare this with information from primary care.

Learning Objectives:

• At the end of the session the participants will be able to:
• 1)List data sources from which to draw information regarding Mental Health conditions
• 2)Understand the applications of linked data within a needs assessment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.