The state of play - the first national survey of consultation-liaison psychiatry services in New Zealand.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct the first national survey of consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP) services in New Zealand. METHOD: An online survey based on the Multidimensional Matrix for Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (mMAX-LP) was circulated to a psychiatrist at each of 12 identified CLP services nationally during April-May 2018. Existing data for Middlemore Hospital (where the lead author is based) were added later for completion. RESULTS: Most CLP services in New Zealand are funded and managed by the mental health division, operate within office hours, and have psychologists and other allied health staff external to their service. However, there was significant heterogeneity amongst these services in terms of structure and function and in particular, the coverage of emergency departments and young/older patient groups. CONCLUSION: This first national survey has provided a snapshot of CLP services in New Zealand in 2018 and found striking heterogeneity. The survey has established a baseline for future local and international comparisons.