A retrospective analysis of referrals and interventions for individuals referred for psychology input in a hyper-acute specialist rehabilitation service.

This article focuses on analyzing psychology referral and intervention patterns within a 20-bed hyper-acute specialist rehabilitation service in Greater Manchester over five years. The study found that emotional support, family support, mental capacity assessments, and cognitive assessments were the most common reasons for referral and intervention, with more interventions provided than initially referred, indicating additional needs identified after assessment. Occupational therapists were the primary referrers, and the findings highlight the complexity of psychological needs in patients with acquired brain injuries and spinal cord injuries in hyper-acute settings. The results support British Society of Physical & Rehabilitation Medicine (BSPRM) guidelines and emphasize the importance of adequate psychology staffing, including neuropsychology expertise, to deliver comprehensive care in these services.