Background: The COVID-19 pandemic increased the incidence of neuropsychiatric diseases. Proactive models of consultation-liaison psychiatry (CLP-p) could play a key role in the prevention and management of these diseases in a general hospital.
Aim: To develop a protocol for implementing screening tools for neuropsychiatric symptoms in routine clinical practice.
Material and methods: Elements of the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model were used to modify the Neuropsychiatric Surveillance protocol implemented at a clinical hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic by members of the hospital's CLP team.
Results: A flowchart for active follow-up of neuropsychiatric symptoms during hospitalization is presented, with sequential management and referral flows, accompanied by suggestions for pre-discharge evaluation to define continuity of care actions. The COSMOS tool is also presented, designed for the detection of risk factors and actions for the prevention of neuropsychiatric diseases in general hospitals.
Conclusions: The neuropsychiatric surveillance protocol facilitates early and timely interventions and establishes criteria for the continuity of post-discharge care. These changes could improve the quality of care in general hospitals and reduce the gap between mental and physical health.