Schmid P, Czekaj A, Frick J, et al. - The SCIP, a well-evaluated screening instrument for the examination of cognitive performance in psychiatric patients, was integrated in the routine admission and discharge assessments at two inpatient wards, and the cognitive profiles of patients with psychotic and affective disorders were assessed over the course of their admission.

• On admission, 529 assessments were completed, and there were 227 patients who returned for SCIP at the time of discharge.

• More than 70% of the SCIP results indicated pathology on admission, .

• Improvements were recorded at discharge, especially on tests with attention and speed components.

• Overall findings support the value of the SCIP in routine diagnostic assessments, and in the quantification of improvements in cognitive performance during an inpatient stay.

• Chronically ill patients with many previous stays exhibited the greatest benefits.