OLD AGE LIAISON MENTAL HEALTH SERVICEIN QATAR INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOMES

Background: There is wide variation in the degree of provision of liaison mental health services across many countries (3) Qatar is no exception, in a general hospital in southern part of Qatar, Liaison Old Age Mental health is provided by Adult Psychiatrists with a phone advise from an Old Age Psychiatrist when requested. A general Hospital in the Northern division of the country is provided by Adult Psychiatrists with one day input from an old age Psychiatrist. Older adults Patients with mental health problems using acute and general hospital inpatient services should have access to a liaison service that specializes in the diagnosis and management of older peoples mental health (5) The research represents a newold age liaison psychiatry service intervention and outcomes in the state of Qatar.

Methods: We audited the number referrals to Old Age Mental Health Liaison one year before a new service intervention in a central General hospital and one year after the service intervention. All referrals are received by the Liaison coordination office in the General hospital and data was collected electronically from the office to ensure accuracy. We also audited the educational interventions done for both staff and patients/Families.Our study included all the number of referrals for patients aged 65 plus and under 65 with Dementia to ensure the maximum statistical power possible for the service intervention.

Results: The total number of referrals for patients aged 65 and above or below 65 with Dementia from June 2021 to May 2022 were 125 (n=125).  The total number of Old Age Liaison Similar referrals after the service intervention from June 2022 to May 2023 were 95 referrals (n=95, p 0.01, 24% reduction in referrals rates)The Chi squared test was used to calculate the p value. Expected average of referrals to a general hospital was estimated from several inner cities general hospitals (8,21)

Conclusion: The authors believe that is the first service to focus on Old Age Mental Health Liaison in the state Qatar. The study was statistically significant and qualitatively included educational outcomes provided for both staff and Patients/families. In addition, it showed an overall reduction in the number of referrals following our intervention. We believe that our outcomes are evidence based and although our outcomes are limited, they are specific, measurable, attainable, and time linked.