A 12-month fellow up of the implementation of clinical indicators in a consultation-liaison service

Objectives: This paper reviews the use of clinical indicators in a consulta tion-liaison (C-L) service over a 12-month period at the Royal Melbourne Ho spital, Melbourne, Australia. Method: Clinical indicators and C-L data were collected during the 1999 cal endar year. A review of the process was conducted during and after completi on of the 12-month period. Results: The system was found to be practical and useful. The use of clinic al indicators led to the identification of problems and stimulated effectiv e interventions. The use of the clinical indicators was associated with imp rovement in communication between C-L staff, parent units and practitioners providing follow-up. Conclusions: The implementation of a database and clinical indicators was a useful addition to the C-L service, The use of clinical indicators was eff ective in improving clinical performance. These benefits need to be balance d against increased administrative burden.