Developing a Computer Decision Support System for Mental Health Risk Screening and Assessment

This ongoing research, funded by the NHS through its New and Emerging Applications of Technology, aims to improve mental-health risk assessments by developing a universally accessible computerised decision support system. The system will contain a risk-screening tool that records client data (cues) and provides risk estimates for suicide, selfharm, self-neglect, and harm to others. The tool is intended for use without specialist training and by any relevant professionals, not just those within health and social care. It will provide a new educational and clinical resource linking validated human expertise from mental-health professionals with statistical information extracted from a dedicated client database. Health and social benefits include earlier identification of people at risk, fewer inappropriate referrals, and multidisciplinary cooperation between health-care providers and other front-line workers.