Assessment of the efficacy of a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT): experience in the Esplugues Mental Health Center (Barcelona)

Aim Crisis Resolution Teams (CRT) have shown positive clinical and service-use results in various countries but evidence in the south of Europe is scarce. The aim is to assess the impact of the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) in Spain with respect to the course of symptomatology and mental health services use in patients served. Methods Prospective observational cohort study. Assessment of the psychopathological severity (HoNOS scale) of the clinical course (CGI scale) and use of medical services. Results A positive clinical course was observed following the intervention. The mean difference in HoNOS (Health of the Nation Outcome Scales) scores between baseline and discharge was 7 points ( p < 0.05). On discharge, more than 60% of patients had improved their symptomatology according to the CGI scale (Clinical Global Impression) and most were discharged due to improvement or goal achievement. A tendency to reduction in the number of admissions to acute units and day hospital was observed, along with fewer emergency room visits. In contrast, an increase in the number of admissions to subacute units was seen. During the intervention, the median number of visits to the center was 15 and the median duration of care provision by the CIT was 39 days. Conclusions The CIT intervention promotes patients’ clinical improvement and has a positive impact in terms of reducing acute hospitalizations and emergency room visits.