'Auspicious liaisons'-evaluating the impact of a liaison geriatrician initiative on older adults psychiatric wards.

Background: Although liaison services in acute hospitals are now the norm, the reverse is not usually available for patients in mental health trusts. Following the introduction of support from geriatricians to older people's mental health inpatient wards, we wanted to see if this intervention was effective and acceptable to clinicians.

Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort service evaluation on the impact of a liaison geriatrician, using routinely collected data, and assessed acceptability among medical staff by semi-structured interview.

Clinical and cost effectiveness of a multi-professional medication reviews in care homes (CAREMED).

Objectives: With 70% of care home residents experiencing a medication error every day in the UK, better multi-professional working between medical practitioners, pharmacists and care homes was recommended. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness (falls reduction) and cost-effectiveness, of a multi-professional medication review (MPMR) service in care homes for older people.

Method: A total of care homes in the East of England were cluster randomised to 'usual care' or two multi-professional (General practitioner, clinical pharmacist and care homes staff) medication reviews during the 12-month trial period.