Tidlig avklaring – et møte mellom mennesker. Ny tilnærming for vurdering og planlegging av behandling i poliklinisk psykisk helsevern.

Background: Mental health care services are facing challenges due to the increasing number of referrals of patients with multifaceted problems. This study aims to describe the Early Assessment Team, a novel method of organizing intake assessments for the outpatient mental health service in a community mental health center. Method: During the first two years of EAT, 1,034 cases were included in a descriptive quality assurance study. Patient population, method of work, re-referrals and patient satisfaction were evaluated. Results: After contact with EAT, two-thirds of patients were assessed as not in need of further treatment in the outpatient clinic. The assessment was performed during one to three sessions in 90% of cases. Fewer than 20% of cases that were screened out by EAT were re-referred to the CMHC within six months. Patients expressed satisfaction with the service. Implications: The results indicate that intake assessment by an early assessment team may be an alternative in clinical practice, though further controlled studies are needed. Keywords: community mental health center (CMHC), health service development, intake assessment, general mental health