Scottish Patients at Risk of Readmission and Admission-Mental Health (SPARRA MH) Case Study of Users and Non-Users of a National Information Source

Aims and Method: A national system, Scottish Patients at Risk of Readmission and Admission (Mental Health) -SPARRA MH, is a risk prediction algorithm, was developed to identify people at risk of readmission to psychiatric hospitals in Scotland (UK). It identifies patients aged 15 years and over at risk of readmission to a psychiatric hospital or unit. SPARRA MH was developed to support the achievement of the Health Efficiency Access and Treatment (HEAT) readmissions target of the Scottish Government. There was limited uptake of the measure by local areas, and this study aimed to identify barriers to it’s use. Telephone interviews were conducted with the managers of six Community Mental Health Teams, comparing teams which used the data with teams which did not. Results: There were more similarities than differences between users and nonusers. The purpose of the measure was understood, but there was concern about time delay, presentation and lack of information on how to use it. Clinical Implications: The development of the system had concentrated on the technical ability of the system, and use in a pilot area. Additional work on information, support and presentation for the national implementation to other Community Mental Health Team’s may have led to more widespread use of the system.