AimsTo evaluate the effectiveness of a mental health screening form for early identification and care escalation of mental health issues in general settings. A secondary aim was to explore general nurses' use of the form and their confidence to discuss mental health issues with patients.MethodsA cross‐sectional design comprising a review of clinical records to determine use of the form, instances of missed care and escalation to the mental health team. The survey focused on nurses' confidence in general settings to engage in discussions with patients about mental health. Data were collected from April to December 2022. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Statement guided this study.ResultsOf 400 patient records, 397 were analysed; 293 (73.8%) of those had mental health screening by nurses. Age was a significant factor, with younger patients more likely to be screened although concerns were typically recognized in older patients. Of the 20 patients identified with mental health concerns, 9 (45%) were referred for further evaluation by the Clinical Liaison Team. While nurses were proactive in assessing physical risks, assessing risk factors that required deeper conversations with patients, including psychiatric history, was lacking. The survey highlighted fewer than half of the respondents (46%, n = 10) felt competent to engage in discussions about mental health; however, most (59%, n = 13) knew when to seek a mental health referral.ConclusionsGeneral nurses have a role in the early identification and referral of patients with mental health challenges. However, training is imperative to facilitate deeper patient interactions concerning mental health. Integrating mental health checks within general settings is crucial for early detection and intervention, aligning with global quality care standards.Reporting MethodSTROBE guidelines.Patient or Public ContributionWe received feedback that shaped the research protocol from a consumer representative.

中文翻译：

---

一般临床环境中心理健康问题的护理评估：一项描述性研究

目的评估心理健康筛查表对于一般环境中心理健康问题的早期识别和护理升级的有效性。第二个目的是探索普通护士对表格的使用情况以及他们与患者讨论心理健康问题的信心。方法采用横断面设计，包括审查临床记录以确定表格的使用、错过护理的情况以及升级到心理健康团队。该调查的重点是护士在一般环境下与患者讨论心理健康问题的信心。数据收集时间为 2022 年 4 月至 12 月。《加强流行病学观察性研究报告声明》指导了本研究。结果 400 份患者记录中，分析了 397 份；其中 293 人（73.8%）接受了护士的心理健康筛查。年龄是一个重要因素，尽管老年患者通常会担心这一问题，但年轻患者更有可能接受筛查。在 20 名被确定存在心理健康问题的患者中，有 9 名 (45%) 被转介接受临床联络小组的进一步评估。虽然护士积极评估身体风险，但缺乏评估需要与患者进行更深入对话的风险因素，包括精神病史。该调查强调了不到一半的受访者（46%，n= 10) 感觉有能力参与有关心理健康的讨论；然而，大多数（59%，n= 13）知道何时寻求心理健康转诊。结论普通护士在早期识别和转诊有心理健康问题的患者方面发挥着作用。然而，培训对于促进患者在心理健康方面更深入的互动至关重要。将心理健康检查纳入一般环境对于早期发现和干预至关重要，与全球质量护理标准保持一致。报告方法STROBE指南。患者或公众贡献我们从消费者代表那里收到了形成研究方案的反馈。