Abstract
The purpose of the study was to ascertain if comparable results could be obtained with a crisis intervention service operating during normal working hours as with a roundβtheβclock service. A followβup study, over a period of 3 years, was conducted on a cohort of 70 patients aged 65 years and over who were referred urgently to a Crisis Intervention Team over a 6βmonth period. This team operated on a 9β5 basis. Outcome under several headings was compared with outcome in a previously reported 2βyear followβup study of a crisis intervention service which operated on a 24 hr basis. This group had comparable age and sex distribution, and similar proportions living alone at referral. Diagnostic groupings were similar and in both groups similar percentages of those referred were admitted (31% of 9β5 group vs 29% other). Notable differences were a greater referral rate in the 24 hr group and significantly greater numbers living in residential accommodation in the 9β5 group. Over the followβup period 9% of the 9β5 group were admitted vs 5% other. There was a greater use of community services by the 24 hr group. Mortality was almost identical in both groups. The finding that on many outcome criteria results were as impressive in the service operating during normal working hours as in the roundβtheβclock service has important service implications. However, caution is needed in interpreting the results due to the difficulties of comparing two geographically separate services with varied demographic differences. Suggestions for further analysis of models of service delivery are made.