Routine sensitive enquiry of adult interpersonal trauma in community mental health teams: an audit of the initial assessment tool

Hill, N., Graham, N. and Forrester, R. L. (2024) Routine sensitive enquiry of adult interpersonal trauma in community mental health teams: an audit of the initial assessment tool. Community Mental Health Journal, 60, pp. 691-698. (doi: 10.1007/s10597-023-01220-z) (PMID:38363438) (PMCID:PMC11001718)

Abstract

This audit aimed to evaluate the utility of the Initial Assessment Tool (IAT) in documenting routine sensitive enquiry of adult interpersonal trauma within three Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs) in North-East Glasgow. In addition, it sought to evaluate if disclosures informed patient risk assessments and if patients were signposted to additional support services. 57% of 90 IATs had evidence of routine sensitive enquiry. Of 51 casefiles with evidence of routine sensitive enquiry, 61% had evidence of the information informing their risk assessments and 14% had documented recommendations of support organisations. The IAT appeared able to assist clinicians with routine sensitive enquiry in adulthood. However, there may be advantage in supporting staff understanding of how to ask questions to specific populations and to use this information to inform treatment planning. Given the prevalence of adult interpersonal trauma experienced by patients presenting to CMHTs, trauma-informed approaches to care should be implemented.

• Item Type: Articles
• Keywords: Assessment, trauma, enquiry, abuse, mental health.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Hill, Natasha and Forrester, Miss Rebecca and Graham, Dr Nicholas
• Authors: Hill, N., Graham, N., and Forrester, R. L.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences; College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Journal Name: Community Mental Health Journal
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 0010-3853
• ISSN (Online): 1573-2789
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2024 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Community Mental Health Journal 60: 691–698
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License