Integrating Research on an Inpatient Psychiatric Unit

To date, research conducted on child and adolescent inpatient psychiatry units is limited despite a high and increasing need for this level of acute care. Further empirical data is critical for providing treatment teams guidance on best practices and evidence-based care. The current chapter aims to provide a concise guide to conducting research on child and adolescent inpatient psychiatric units. Methods of using evidence-based assessment and electronic health records to conduct retrospective research and ways to increase patient and treatment team buy-in and integrate research and clinic care to conduct prospective research are highlighted. Additional topics that require specific attention when conducting research on inpatient units are also discussed (e.g., control groups, inclusion/exclusion criteria).