Clinical effectiveness on an acute in‐patient psychiatric unit

The paper outlines a model for addressing clinical effectiveness, and an illustration of how this is practically implemented through team working in a multidisciplinary in‐patient environment. This is particularly relevant given the number of recent reports that highlight the need to develop and invest in the in‐patient services. The difficulty in implementing evidence‐based practice for mental health interventions is also addressed and initiatives being developed to enable a realistic approach in such an environment are described. The paper describes a structure and a process, using examples from audit, research and other initiatives particular to the unit, in providing accessible evidence based interventions for ward based staff, and improved clinical effectiveness generally.