• Process Standards
  • 1. Named leads
  • 2. All stakeholders involved
  • 3. Process mapping conducted
  • 4. Implementation linked to care governance structures
  • 5. Training needs assessment conducted
  • 6. Diagnostic information collated
  • 7. Recording and sharing of information
  • 8. Systems for recording and analysing variances developed
  • 9. Referral systems developed

Standard 9: Systems are in place to manage referrals into mental health services.

Supporting material for process standard 9:

If good quality referral information is provided by local services, service users can access the most appropriate services. Referral criteria are a way in which the quality of information for a potential service provider can be improved. Referral algorithms allow service users to be signposted to the most appropriate service and help reduce the waiting time.

Examples of evidence required to meet standard 9:

- Referral protocol (paper or electronic)
- Referral guidelines
- Referral algorithm
- Operational policy for CMHT or mental health services
- Triage assessment tools
- Information on local services/local care providers

Useful Resources:

• Example referral protocol from NHS Dumfires & Galloway
• 2. SIGN. Report on a recommended referral document. Edinburgh:SIGN; 2000. SIGN Publication No. 31
• 3. Colgate R, Jones S. Controlling the confusion: management of referrals into mental health services for older adults. Advances in Psychiatric Treatments. 2007;13(I5); 317-324.