Emergency department staff and emergency medicine personnel in particular are at risk of various types of occupational stresses such as mental traumas. Little information is available about possibility and rate of PTSD among emergency medicine staff in Iran and the world as well. This study is to cover the prevalence of and affecting factors on the PTSD among the EM personnel in Iran.

In an analytic-descriptive study in 2009, 150 emergency medicine personnel of Kashan and Arak city were investigated to estimate both the PTSD rate and severity of mental traumas. Standard questionnaires of IES 15 and PTSS 10 along with DSM- IV criteria were utilized in this regard.

121 out of 150 subjects answered the questionnaires. All the clients were examined in terms of DSM- IV criteria in which 44 (36.4%) ones met the PTSD diagnostic criteria. In the IES scale, one third of the EM staff belonged to the event severely affected group. 11 (9%) subjects received a 5 or more PTSD score demonstrating a relatively severe reaction in them. Marital status had a meaningful correlation with PTSD condition, so that the single were more likely to meet the PTSD criteria.

According to the study, rate of PTSD and severity of the traumas resulted among the emergency medicine personnel were both high to a great extent. It seems that these individuals are severely exposed to occupational stress and the pertinent complications, and further attention should be given to their psychological condition then.

Suicide is one of predominant causes of death among young Europeans. Recent statistical data on suicide proves that Lithuania is one of the leading countries in this domain. The goal of this study is to define and compare the peculiarities of suicidal behavior among teenage boys and girls.

109 teenagers of the age 14 to 17 years old (52 boys and 57 girls), who were treated in Kaunas University of Medicine Psychiatry Clinic Children - Teenagers’ Department after suicide attempts, took part in the study. Medical documentation and structured questionnaire designed by the authors were used.

The incidence of suicidal thoughts among teenagers who attempted suicide was compared according to gender. It was determined that almost one fourth of the boys (23,1%) and one sixth of the girls (17,5%) have never thought about committing suicide before they attempted to do that. Almost every other boy (48,1%) and 40,4% of the girls have had suicidal thoughts a few times a year. One fourth of the boys (28,8%) and one third of the girls (36,8%) have had suicidal thoughts a few times per month or per week. And only a few girls (5,3%) still had suicidal thoughts after a suicidal attempt (X2=4,04, df=3, p=0,3).

No statistical gender differences were found in estimating the incidence of suicidal thoughts among teenagers who attempted suicide.

We assessed parents’ perceptions of and satisfaction with daily lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX; Vyvanse®, US tradename, Shire US Inc.) treatment for their children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) previously treated with osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate (OROS-MPH).

Parents of children with ADHD were surveyed via telephone or Internet about their child's experience before and approximately 6 weeks after initiating LDX treatment. Participants received a $25 coupon toward their child's next LDX prescription after survey completion. Post hoc analyses using the Wilcoxon signed rank test were performed.

School time was the most frequently reported most bothersome time of day at baseline (41%), followed by homework time (23%). At follow-up, most parents reported improvement during their child's most bothersome time of day. Significantly less interference from ADHD symptoms with school activities, family interactions, homework, and social interactions was reported (all P< .01). LDX tolerability and convenience were rated, on average, 7.1 and 8.0, respectively (1=not at all well tolerated/convenient, 9=very well tolerated/convenient). Satisfaction with LDX was significantly higher than satisfaction with OROS-MPH treatment (6.9 and 5.0, respectively, P< .01 [1=not at all satisfied, 9=very satisfied]). Eighty-four percent of parents reported that they intend for their child to continue taking LDX.

Parents of children with ADHD who were previously treated with OROS-MPH and currently taking LDX reported less interference of ADHD symptoms with daily activities after LDX treatment and high satisfaction with LDX. LDX was also well tolerated and convenient to use.

Supported by funding from Shire Development Inc.

To examine the association between advancing pubertal status and the emergence of depressive symptoms in boys and girls from a UK cohort.

Self-reported depressive symptoms were assessed using the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire at three time-points (10.5, 13 and 14 years). We derived trait measures of depressive symptom level at each time-point using confirmatory factor analysis and compared the 3 depressive symptom factors with pubertal status (using regular self-reported Tanner assessments from 8-14 years) separately in boys (n=2902) and girls (n=2886). Main effects were estimated, adjusted for time lag between assessment of pubertal status and depressive symptoms, and then further adjusted for confounders (social class, maternal education, parental separation, financial problems, housing tenure).

For girls at age 10.5 years, there was little evidence of a relationship between pubertal status and depressive symptoms, with an increase in symptoms of 0.025 SD's for each additional pubertal stage (indicated by Tanner stages 1 through 5) for breast development and 0.023 SD's for each additional stage for pubic-hair development. With increasing age, the association between pubertal stage and depressive symptoms in girls strengthened. At age 14 years, advancement of each pubertal stage represented an increase in 0.13 SD's of depressive symptoms for breast development and 0.10 SD's for pubic hair development. For boys, there was no clear relationship between pubertal development and depressive symptoms at any time-point.

More advanced pubertal status was associated with an increased level of depressive symptoms in girls in early/mid adolescence but not boys.

The main objective was to examine agreement between the internet based Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA) generated diagnoses and clinical diagnoses. Second, we aimed to explore how disclosure of the DAWBA-diagnosis before clinical decision making influenced the clinicians diagnosis. Third, whether there were differences of influence for different categories of disorders. Last, we examined how the use of DAWBA information affected identification of co-morbidities.

315 patients from outpatient clinics were randomised into two groups. In 177 cases the clinician was informed about DAWBA diagnosis, in 155 cases the clinican was blind to DAWBA information. DAWBA is an internet based package of questionnaires and rating techniques designed to generate psychiatric ICD10 or DSM IV diagnoses for 5- 17 year old children and adolescents. Information from parents, teachers and self-reports are brought together by a computer programme that predicts likely diagnoses. An expert rater decides on the diagnosis by synopsis of these different inputs.

DAWBA diagnoses and clinical diagnosis without information from DAWBA showed acceptable agreement with Cohens kappa 0,26 for emotional disorders, kappa of 0,29 for hyperactive disorders and kappa of 0.31 for disruptive disorders.

There was a significant effect on clinical diagnoses for emotional disorders for disclosure of DAWBA (kappa of 0.26 without DAWBA information versus kappa of 0,52 with information, Fishers z of p< 0,05)

There was no significant effect of information about DAWBA-diagnosis considering comorbidities.

DAWBA showed the most pronounced effect on clinical diagnoses for emotional disorders in children and adolescents.

Available data suggest that sex hormone levels during puberty may affect symptom onset and expression, treatment responsiveness and outcomes in schizophrenia, whereas post-pubertal adolescents may have a similar clinical presentation and treatment response compared to adults with schizophrenia.

Post-hoc analyses were conducted to assess the similarity of short- and long-term efficacy between post-pubertal adolescents and adults with schizophrenia treated with aripiprazole.

Based on available European epidemiologic data, a cut-off age of 15 years was used to isolate a subgroup of mostly post-pubertal adolescents with schizophrenia in aripiprazole clinical studies. Outcome measures from this subgroup (ages 15-17; n=147) were then compared to outcomes from one adult study (n=853) on short and long-term measures of efficacy, including PANSS scores, response rates, and remission rates.

Comparable short and long-term treatment effects were observed on the PANSS total and subscale scores, demonstrated by overlapping 95% confidence intervals (mean change from baseline in PANSS total score (OC dataset): at week 6 in adults: -27,7; in adolescents 15-17 yr: -29,6; at week 30 in adults: -39,2; in adolescents 15-17 yr: -36). Percent of adolescents achieving response (defined as ≥ 30% decrease in PANSS total score from baseline) at 32 weeks (80,2%) on open label treatment was similar to that in adult studies at week 34 (80%) on double blind treatment (OC dataset).

Adolescents with schizophrenia (ages 15-17, mostly post-pubertal) demonstrate a positive treatment response in short-term and long-term studies which is similar to that observed in the adult patient population.

Our study aims to assess the prevalence of behavioural addictions in an adolescent populations, evaluating the effects of gender and age, and to assess the correlations and associations between different behavioural addictions.

A population of 2853 students (1142 F and 1711 M, mean age 16.7± 1.9) was assessed in order to evaluate the prevalence of behavioural dependences such as Pathological Gambling (PG), Compulsive Buying (CB), Exercise Addiction (EA), Internet Addiction (IA), and Work Addiction (WA). The South Oaks Gambling Screen-Revised Adolescent, the Compulsive Buying Scale, the Exercise Addiction Inventory, the Internet Addiction Test, and the Work Addiction Risk Test, were compiled anonymously by the students.

Overall prevalence was 7.0% for PG, 11.3% for CB, 1.2% for IA, 7.6% for WA, 8.5% for EA. PG, and EA were more common among boys, while gender had no effect on the other conditions. CB was more common among younger (< 18 years old) students. Each of these conditions showed a strong association with others, and the scores of all of these scales were correlated.

In line with previous studies our results indicate that behavioural addictions are quite common among adolescents. The strong association between behavioural addictions stresses the concept that treatment for one of these conditions should involve assessment and treatment for the others.

Captivity has political, mental and social effects on captives. According to stress severity, captivity duration, religious idea, resistance and affective susceptibility, captivity causes significant mental and neurological effects. Present study was aimed to evaluate mental situation of captives’ children in Isfahan Province.

This was a cross-sectional analytic observational study. Strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SQD) was used for mental evaluation of captives’ children. We selected 384 objectives by random sampling.

There was a significant difference between emotional signs, disruptive and communicational problems and social behaviors related with the age of children. A significant difference was also seen between emotional signs and educational level of children.

Captivity of the father in long term has unsuitable physical and mental effects on children. Rate of these effects depends on mother's reaction to loss of spouse as well as age, and the social support provided for children.

To explore correlations of outcomes in children and adolescents with ADHD transitioning from IR MPH onto OROS MPH.

Post hoc analyses of a 12 week open label trial in patients (6-18 yrs) with a diagnosis of ADHD (ICD-10) transitioning from IR MPH onto OROS MPH. Assessments included Conners parents rating scale, children's global assessment scale and quality of life (ILC; LK0-28) of patients, including self rating and parent's rating. A regression model on difference in CPRS at endpoint from baseline as dependent variable and sex, age, baseline CPRS and diagnosis as explanatory variables was performed. Relationships between ILC, CPRS and C-GAS scores were assessed by Spearman's rank correlation coefficients.

598 patients (ITT population; 84.8% boys; median 10 yrs) received a median starting and final dose of PR OROS MPH of 36 mg/day. Scores on C-GAS, CPRS, ILC (parents and patients) improved (p< 0.001). Burden of disease in care givers and children decreased (p< 0.001). Older age, poor baseline score, diagnosis of F.90.0 (hyperkinetic disorder) were associated with greater improvements on CPRS. The difference between endpoint versus baseline scores of patient's and parent's rating of patient's ILC, C-GAS and ILC (patients'rating) correlated. ILC (parents'rating) and CPRS correlated inversely (a decrease in CAARS was associated with higher scores on ILC).

Transitioning to OROS MPH was associated with improvement in daily functioning, quality of life and decreased burden of disease. Improvement in symptoms was associated with improved quality of life aspects and better social functioning.

Aim of the study was assessing motivation to change in a clinical sample of adolescents with anorexia nervosa and its relation to specific cognitions and behaviours.

N= 77 patients with anorexia nervosa (75 female, 2 males, mean age = 15.8, SD = 1.3) were evaluated with Anorexia Nervosa Stage of Change Questionnaire (ANSOCQ) measuring motivation to recover and further questionnaires evaluating treatment and course of the disorder. The latter included Eating Disorder Inventory (EDI-2), the Eating Attitude Test (EAT), the Pros and Cons of Anorexia nervosa questionnaire (PCAN), and the Body Image Questionnaire (FKAN). Data were collected at treatment onset (T1), follow-up was after 12 months (T2).

At T1 motivation to change was significantly related to the EDI subscale measuring drive for thinness (p < .001) and body dissatisfaction (p< .01), to the PCAN pros scales measuring appearance (p< .01) and safe/structure (p< .01), to the EAT scale measuring dieting (p< .001) and the FKAN subscale measuring the feeling of body massivity (p< .001).The stage of motivation to change at treatment onset was very low in the sample (67% in stage 1 = precontemplation or 2 = contemplation). There was no relation between motivation at T1 and BMI at T2 but the increase of motivation between T1 and T2 predicted a better outcome (BMI at T2).

Motivation to change is related to specific cognitions and behaviours in adolescent patients with anorexia nervosa. Increase of treatment motivation during the first months of treatment seems to be predictive for outcome.

Analizing connection between risk factors in family and behavioral disturbances in children whose parents have had symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

We analyzed a group of 100 children of school age (10 -15 years) in two randomly choused schools. Those children are from complete families and their parents agreed to participate in psychometric testing. We divided those children in two groups: Experimental group (N=50)- those parents show symptoms of PTSD, and Control group (N=50) those whose parents do not show symptoms of PTSD. The assessment to PTSD symptoms and level of dramatization in parents was done with Harvard Trauma Questionnaire- Bosnia and Herzegovina version), and behavior disturbances by using Child Behavior Check List (CBCL for parents, Achenbach 1991). According to gender and participation of parents the sample was homogeneous. Data were processed with descriptive statistics.

Children of parents with PTSD symptoms show higher correlation of family size, number of children in family, (p< 0.05), the level of parents education, social and economic state of family and symptoms of behavior disturbances (p< 0.01). Regarding expression of Internalization as behavior characteristic is in higher correlation with family size (p< 0.01) and Externalization is in higher correlation with family size, socio- economic state of family and education of parents (p< 0.05).

Children whose parents have symptoms of PTSD show significantly higher correlation of risk factors in family and behavior problems. The highest correlation is associated with family size, number of children in family, education of parents and economic circumstances.

Primary objective was to evaluate the influence of atomoxetine on standard variables of a computer-based Continuous Performance Test (cb-CPT) that reflects executive function and inhibitory control in children with ADHD.

Two-arm, 8-week, placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study in ADHD patients (6-12yrs). Atomoxetine was initiated at 0.5 mg/kg qd for 1 week, followed by 7 weeks on the target dose of 1.2 mg/kg qd. Primary outcome were the q-scores of the cb-CPT standard variables after 8 weeks using mixed models for repeated measurement. Additionally, ADHD-RS scores, WREMB (Weekly Ratings of Evening and Morning Behavior) and CGI-S-ADHD were assessed (weeks 0,1,2,4,6,8).

N=128 patients were randomized, N=125 evaluated (atomoxetine/placebo: 63/62). Baseline characteristics were comparable (77.6% boys; 40.0% patients with ODD/CD; 24.8% prior stimulant treatment; mean (±SD) age 9.0±1.79yrs; mean ADHD-RS total score 36.99±11.56). At Week 8, all primary outcomes (cb-CPT q-scores) were significantly reduced vs. placebo (all p< 0.001) for mean (effect size [ES] 0.41), variance (ES=0.71), and normalized variance (ES=0.50) of “Reaction time”, “Number of microevents” (ES=1.00), “Commission errors” (ES=0.50), “Omission errors” (ES=0.70), “Distance of movement” (ES=0.90) and “Area of movement” (ES=1.08), “Time active” (ES=0.69), and “Motion simplicity” (ES=0.38). Secondary endpoints at Week 8 improved significantly in favor of atomoxetine: ADHD-RS: total score ES=1.30, p< 0.001; hyperactive/impulsive subscore ES=1.37, p< 0.001; inattentive subscore ES=1.07, p< 0.001). WREMB: total score ES=1.00, p< 0.001; morning subscore ES=0.59, p=0.002.; evening subscore ES=1.02, p< 0.001. CGI-S-ADHD: ES=1.11; p< 0.001.

Atomoxetine for 8 weeks significantly reduced ADHD symptoms as measured by the objective cb-CPT.

The aim of the study was assessing differences in selected psychosocial and behavioural variables between a referred sample of patients with an eating disorder, a non-referred risk sample with eating problems, and a healthy control group.

There were N=100 patients (95 females and 5 males, Mean age = 15.8, SD = 1.3) in the referred sample. The two matched non-referred groups of each N=215 participants (95% females, 5% males; Mean age =16.1, SD = 1.5) stem from the Zurich Adolescent Psychology- and Psychopathology-Study (ZAPPS). Emotional and behavioural problems were assessed using the Youth Self Report (YSR) and a depression scale. In addition, the participants responded to questionnaires covering life events, self-related cognitions, coping capacities, perceived parental behaviour, and family climate.

Compared to both non-referred groups, the referred sample had significantly higher scores on the social withdrawn, anxious/depressed and thought problems scale of the YSR, on the depression and the life events scales, and significantly lower scores on the self esteem scale. Compared to the referred sample, the non-referred risk sample had significantly higher scores on the YSR-scale measuring externalizing problems and the perceived parental rejection scale, but lower scores on the family climate scales measuring cohesion and adaptability.

The three groups were differentiated by various psychosocial and behavioural variables. Externalizing problems and indicators of a poor family climate were more common in a non-referred high-risk group with eating problems than in a referred sample with clinical eating disorders.

To determine the influence of parent and child depressive and anxiety symptoms, family functioning and its influence on child quality of life and diabetes control among children and adolescents.

149 Children and adolescents (aged 8-18 years) with duration of diabetes longer than 1 year were enrolled to the study. Participants and their parents were evaluated by self-report measures (BDI, STAI, CDI, MASC, FACE-IV).

There were 83 males and 66 females in the group. Mean age at the time of evaluation was 13,4±2,7 years. Median duration of diabetes was 4,0 (Interquartile Range 2,4-5,1) years. Mean HbA1c level was 8,0±1,5%. Child depression (beta= -0.41; p< 0.001), child (beta=-0.28; p< 0.01) and parent anxiety (beta=-0.17; p< 0.05) were all associated with lower quality of life. Family communication, flexibility, cohesion and satisfactions scores, despite being significant in univariate correlations were excluded during stepwise regression model building. HbA1c correlated with CDI rating (beta=-0.17; p< 0.05).

Presence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among children and their parents significantly worsens the quality of life among individuals with diabetes. Family-based communication trainings could contribute to improved metabolic control.

Post-infarct Depression appears to 15-30% of the patients treated in the Infarction Units, according to the International Standards. It appears 24-72 hours following an Acute Infarction of the Myocardium.

We studied 300 patients treated in the Infraction Treatment Unit for a period of three months, within the framework of a Liaison Consultation Psychiatry program. 180 patients were men (60%) and 120 patients were women (40%). The average age of male patients was 52 years and the average age of female patients was 58 years. These patients were submitted to the Montgomery-Arnsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) to evaluate Depression. According to the results of the Scale, these 120 patients presented depressive symptomatology, 45 patients presented mild symptomatology, 70 patients presented average symptomatology, and 5 patients presented heavy symptomatology.

All the above patients were treated with SSRIs. In particular, they received Fluoxetin, Sitalopram, Esitalopram, Fluvoxamine, Sertraline. The MADRS Scale has been evaluated on 15 days, 1, 2, 3, and 6 months following the initiation of therapy. 110 patients (91%) presented a significant reduction of MADRS Scale, while 10 patients (9%) showed resistance to the treatment and had to switch their treatment scheme with SNRIS or NASSAS.

The SSRIs constitute the most advisable treatment for post-infraction depression, due to their low side-effect profile. The rate of positive outcome for post-infarction depression treatment was especially high (91%) during treatment with SSRIs at a level consistent with the international literature reference.

To analyze the clinical and demographic profile of psychiatric interconsultations in a pediatric ward of a Brazilian university hospital in 2008.

Review and statistical analysis, using SPSS, of the medical records of the 31 children/adolescents admitted to the Hospital from the University of Campinas-Brazil who required psychiatric assessment.

1,072 children/adolescents were hospitalized, with a total of 1,933 admissions. Psychiatric consultation was requested for 31(16 girls and 15 boys), 4(12.9%) were hospitalized more than once in 2008. Ages: 2 months-18 years old (mean: 9.9 ± 4.5). 19(61.3%) were white, 5(16.1%) mixed and 3(9.7%) black. Mothers were responsible for the children/adolescents in 23(74.5%) cases. 2(6.5%) children attended kindergarten and 19(61.3%), primary school. The permanence time varied between 1-199 days (mean: 24 ± 38.1). 8(25.8%) patients had psychiatric diagnoses at admission and were taking psychotropic drugs. 26(83.9%) had a positive clinical pediatric history. In 25(80.6%) patients the psychiatry diagnosed at least one mental disorder (more than one in 15-48.4% patients). Depressive mood disorders were the most prevalent. Psychiatric pharmacotherapy was used for 20(64.5%) patients and 17(54.8%) continued taking medication after discharge. Only 1 patient did not need referral after discharge. 1 patient died 7 months after the assessment.

The experience of being ill can have great emotional significance for children/adolescents and their families. The presence of a psychiatrist on staff can help the pediatrician in dealing with these situations, influencing therapy and prognosis.

Depressive syndromes in chronic heart failure (CHF) are highly prevalent with 20-40% and are associated with various aspects of increased cardiac mortality and impact on health system. Likewise, CHF may increase the risk of developing depression or vice-versa via bidirectional interactions of possible shared pathophysiology.

While at current only a minority of comorbid patients with CHF receives adequate diagnosis and treatment, identification, treatment, and prevention by optimizing cardiological and psychiatric strategies appears essential. - An introductory overview on the occurrence, atypical presentation of symptoms, and risk factors of depression and CHF will be given (Norra et al. 2008) with main regard on the recent work.

Concerning depression profiles, conventional cut-off-scores of rating instruments were analysed and have to be newly discussed in cardiologic patients (Forkmann et al. 2009). Further, depressed inpatients versus cardiologic inpatients with depression (Norra et al. in prep) showed differences on the cognitive-emotional aspects of depression (e.g. self-accusation, crying, social withdrawal) as opposed to great similarities (e.g. anergy, sleep disturbances). Here, sleep-related breathing disorders may also contribute to the depressive phenotype in CHF (Skobel, Norra et al. 2005). Interestingly, poor subjective sleep quality significantly predicts increased depressive symptoms in cardiac disease (Norra et al. in prep).

Only early screening, diagnosis and treatment of subclinical/modified depression in CHF may prevent further deteriorating effects of this comorbid disease on the heart and brain. A multicenter trial ‘MyHeart’ (EU 6th framework, IST 507816) is ongoing with a special focus on potential cardiac markers and depressive symptoms.

No figures exist for the prevalence of personality disorder in ethnic minorities, compared to the general UK population, where prevalence figures range between 13% for general practitioner patients to 40-50% of psychiatric in-patients. Differences in diagnosis indicate that Black patients more likely to be diagnosed with Schizophrenia and less likely to be diagnosed with personality disorder. There is underuse of psychotherapy services by ethnic groups and less likelihood of receiving psychological therapies.

A cross-sectional survey of inpatient data collected over 2 years(2007-2009), examined the prevalence of personality disorder, with regards to ethnic distribution, among 6531 psychiatric inpatients. The survey was conducted in Mersey Care NHS Trust, a mental health care provider in the North West of England. Ethnicity was divided into 2 broad categories, White British and Black and Minority Ethnic group (BME).

273(4.2%) patients were diagnosed with personality disorder. 91(33.3%) males and 177(64.8%) females had personality disorder diagnosis. 23(8.4%) BME patients compared to 250(91.6%) White British patients were diagnosed with personality disorder. The most common diagnosis was Emotionally Unstable personality disorder (184 cases). Personality disorder is under-diagnosed in this inpatient population compared to the evidence base. Results support the research evidence base, that personality disorder in BME is under-diagnosed.

Personality disorder is a stigmatizing label and is fraught with diagnostic uncertainty. Pre-existing attitudes in these communities regard mental illness as a non-entity, a stigma or taboo. It is not only the patient population that needs educating but also the professionals responsible for detection and management of personality disorder.

Language is the main investigative and communicative tool in psychiatry and adequate understanding of language is essential for thorough assessment by the clinician, and for patient satisfaction. Interference with communication impairs our ability to assess a patient comprehensively. In a Department of Health survey of British Asians in hospital, more than half had experienced difficulties in communication and reported dissatisfaction with existing interpretation services.

Audit whether language needs and Ethnicity are addressed in an adult inpatient sample and evaluate consequent impact on hospital admission duration.

Casenotes of patients, who were identified as having language needs, were audited against National Institute for Mental Health in England(NIMHE) standards for the provision of an interpreter at every medical review(standard=100%). Electronic patient data was analysed for recording of ethnicity, language, admission duration and demographic data.

Sample size 3028. 3028(100%) had ethnicity recorded and 1434(47%) had spoken language recorded. Of 23 case notes audited, an interpreter was present on 28.3% of occasions. White British patients had average admission durations of 39.8 days compared to 53.7 days in Black/minority ethnic groups(BME). English speaking patients spent 43.4 days in hospital compared to 74.9 days for non-English speaking patients. BME/Non-English speaking patients spent 78.8 days in hospital compared to 42.1 days for English speaking/White British patients.

The study highlights an immediate need for addressing language/interpretation services within the trust. The implications of longer hospital admission duration on service user experience/dissatisfaction with services and financial implications for the Trust are evident. Further training for staff in cultural awareness and documentation of needs has been recommended.