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Hoffmann JA, Kshetrapal A, Pergjika A, Foster AA, Wnorowska JH, Johnson JK. A Qualitative Assessment of Barriers and Proposed Interventions to Improve Acute Agitation Management for Children With Mental and Behavioral Health Conditions in the Emergency Department. J Acad Consult Liaison Psychiatry 2024; 65:167-177. [PMID: 38070778 PMCID: PMC11032221 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaclp.2023.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health visits to the emergency department (ED) by children are rising in the United States, and acute agitation during these visits presents safety risks to patients and staff. OBJECTIVE We sought to assess barriers and strategies for providing high-quality care to children who experience acute agitation in the ED. METHODS We conducted semistructured interviews with 6 ED physicians, 6 ED nurses, 6 parents, and 6 adolescents at high risk for developing agitation. We asked participants about their experiences with acute agitation care in the ED, barriers and facilitators to providing high-quality care, and proposed interventions. Interviews were coded and analyzed thematically. RESULTS Participants discussed identifying risk factors for acute agitation, worrying about safety and the risk of injury, feeling moral distress, and shifting the culture toward patient-centered, trauma-informed care. Barriers and facilitators included using a standardized care pathway, identifying environmental barriers and allocating resources, partnering with the family and child, and communicating among team members. Nine interventions were proposed: opening a behavioral observation unit with dedicated staff and space, asking screening questions to identify risk of agitation, creating personalized care plans in the electronic health record, using a standardized agitation severity scale, implementing a behavioral response team, providing safe activities and environmental modifications, improving the handoff process, educating staff, and addressing bias and inequities. CONCLUSIONS Understanding barriers can inform solutions to improve care for children who experience acute agitation in the ED. The perspectives of families and patients should be considered when designing interventions to improve care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Hoffmann
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL.
| | - Anisha Kshetrapal
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Alba Pergjika
- Prtizker Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Ashley A Foster
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, San Francisco, CA
| | | | - Julie K Johnson
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern Quality Improvement Research and Education in Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
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Austin EE, Cheek C, Richardson L, Testa L, Dominello A, Long JC, Carrigan A, Ellis LA, Norman A, Murphy M, Smith K, Gillies D, Clay-Williams R. Improving emergency department care for adults presenting with mental illness: a systematic review of strategies and their impact on outcomes, experience, and performance. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1368129. [PMID: 38487586 PMCID: PMC10937575 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1368129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Care delivery for the increasing number of people presenting at hospital emergency departments (EDs) with mental illness is a challenging issue. This review aimed to synthesise the research evidence associated with strategies used to improve ED care delivery outcomes, experience, and performance for adults presenting with mental illness. Method We systematically reviewed the evidence regarding the effects of ED-based interventions for mental illness on patient outcomes, patient experience, and system performance, using a comprehensive search strategy designed to identify published empirical studies. Systematic searches in Scopus, Ovid Embase, CINAHL, and Medline were conducted in September 2023 (from inception; review protocol was prospectively registered in Prospero CRD42023466062). Eligibility criteria were as follows: (1) primary research study, published in English; and (2) (a) reported an implemented model of care or system change within the hospital ED context, (b) focused on adult mental illness presentations, and (c) evaluated system performance, patient outcomes, patient experience, or staff experience. Pairs of reviewers independently assessed study titles, abstracts, and full texts according to pre-established inclusion criteria with discrepancies resolved by a third reviewer. Independent reviewers extracted data from the included papers using Covidence (2023), and the quality of included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute suite of critical appraisal tools. Results A narrative synthesis was performed on the included 46 studies, comprising pre-post (n = 23), quasi-experimental (n = 6), descriptive (n = 6), randomised controlled trial (RCT; n = 3), cohort (n = 2), cross-sectional (n = 2), qualitative (n = 2), realist evaluation (n = 1), and time series analysis studies (n = 1). Eleven articles focused on presentations related to substance use disorder presentation, 9 focused on suicide and deliberate self-harm presentations, and 26 reported mental illness presentations in general. Strategies reported include models of care (e.g., ED-initiated Medications for Opioid Use Disorder, ED-initiated social support, and deliberate self-harm), decision support tools, discharge and transfer refinements, case management, adjustments to liaison psychiatry services, telepsychiatry, changes to roles and rostering, environmental changes (e.g., specialised units within the ED), education, creation of multidisciplinary teams, and care standardisations. System performance measures were reported in 33 studies (72%), with fewer studies reporting measures of patient outcomes (n = 19, 41%), patient experience (n = 10, 22%), or staff experience (n = 14, 30%). Few interventions reported outcomes across all four domains. Heterogeneity in study samples, strategies, and evaluated outcomes makes adopting existing strategies challenging. Conclusion Care for mental illness is complex, particularly in the emergency setting. Strategies to provide care must align ED system goals with patient goals and staff experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth E. Austin
- The Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Science, Macquarie University, Macquarie, NSW, Australia
| | - Colleen Cheek
- The Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Science, Macquarie University, Macquarie, NSW, Australia
| | - Lieke Richardson
- The Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Science, Macquarie University, Macquarie, NSW, Australia
| | - Luke Testa
- The Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Science, Macquarie University, Macquarie, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda Dominello
- The Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Science, Macquarie University, Macquarie, NSW, Australia
| | - Janet C. Long
- The Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Science, Macquarie University, Macquarie, NSW, Australia
| | - Ann Carrigan
- The Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Science, Macquarie University, Macquarie, NSW, Australia
| | - Louise A. Ellis
- The Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Science, Macquarie University, Macquarie, NSW, Australia
| | - Alicia Norman
- Centre for the Health Economy, Macquarie University Business School, Macquarie University, Macquarie, NSW, Australia
| | - Margaret Murphy
- Western Sydney Local Health District, New South Wales Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kylie Smith
- Emergency Care Institute, New South Wales Agency for Clinical Innovation, New South Wales Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Donna Gillies
- Quality and Safeguards Commission, National Disability Insurance Scheme, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Robyn Clay-Williams
- The Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Science, Macquarie University, Macquarie, NSW, Australia
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Kraus CK, Ferry J. Emergency Department Care of the Patient with Suicidal or Homicidal Symptoms. Emerg Med Clin North Am 2024; 42:31-40. [PMID: 37977751 DOI: 10.1016/j.emc.2023.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Patients frequently present to the emergency department (ED) with acute suicidal and homicidal thoughts. These patients require timely evaluation, with determination of disposition by either voluntary or involuntary hospitalization or discharge with appropriate outpatient follow-up. Safety concerns should be prioritized for patients as well as ED staff. Patient dignity and autonomy should be respected throughout the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chadd K Kraus
- Department of Emergency and Hospital Medicine, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, PA, USA; University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine.
| | - James Ferry
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Geisinger, Danville, Pennsylvania, USA
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Gillard S, Anderson K, Clarke G, Crowe C, Goldsmith L, Jarman H, Johnson S, Lomani J, McDaid D, Pariza P, Park AL, Smith J, Turner K, Yoeli H. Evaluating mental health decision units in acute care pathways (DECISION): a quasi-experimental, qualitative and health economic evaluation. Health Soc Care Deliv Res 2023; 11:1-221. [PMID: 38149657 DOI: 10.3310/pbsm2274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Background People experiencing mental health crises in the community often present to emergency departments and are admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Because of the demands on emergency department and inpatient care, psychiatric decision units have emerged to provide a more suitable environment for assessment and signposting to appropriate care. Objectives The study aimed to ascertain the structure and activities of psychiatric decision units in England and to provide an evidence base for their effectiveness, costs and benefits, and optimal configuration. Design This was a mixed-methods study comprising survey, systematic review, interrupted time series, synthetic control study, cohort study, qualitative interview study and health economic evaluation, using a critical interpretive synthesis approach. Setting The study took place in four mental health National Health Service trusts with psychiatric decision units, and six acute hospital National Health Service trusts where emergency departments referred to psychiatric decision units in each mental health trust. Participants Participants in the cohort study (n = 2110) were first-time referrals to psychiatric decision units for two 5-month periods from 1 October 2018 and 1 October 2019, respectively. Participants in the qualitative study were first-time referrals to psychiatric decision units recruited within 1 month of discharge (n = 39), members of psychiatric decision unit clinical teams (n = 15) and clinicians referring to psychiatric decision units (n = 19). Outcomes Primary mental health outcome in the interrupted time series and cohort study was informal psychiatric hospital admission, and in the synthetic control any psychiatric hospital admission; primary emergency department outcome in the interrupted time series and synthetic control was mental health attendance at emergency department. Data for the interrupted time series and cohort study were extracted from electronic patient record in mental health and acute trusts; data for the synthetic control study were obtained through NHS Digital from Hospital Episode Statistics admitted patient care for psychiatric admissions and Hospital Episode Statistics Accident and Emergency for emergency department attendances. The health economic evaluation used data from all studies. Relevant databases were searched for controlled or comparison group studies of hospital-based mental health assessments permitting overnight stays of a maximum of 1 week that measured adult acute psychiatric admissions and/or mental health presentations at emergency department. Selection, data extraction and quality rating of studies were double assessed. Narrative synthesis of included studies was undertaken and meta-analyses were performed where sufficient studies reported outcomes. Results Psychiatric decision units have the potential to reduce informal psychiatric admissions, mental health presentations and wait times at emergency department. Cost savings are largely marginal and do not offset the cost of units. First-time referrals to psychiatric decision units use more inpatient and community care and less emergency department-based liaison psychiatry in the months following the first visit. Psychiatric decision units work best when configured to reduce either informal psychiatric admissions (longer length of stay, higher staff-to-patient ratio, use of psychosocial interventions), resulting in improved quality of crisis care or demand on the emergency department (higher capacity, shorter length of stay). To function well, psychiatric decision units should be integrated into the crisis care pathway alongside a range of community-based support. Limitations The availability and quality of data imposed limitations on the reliability of some analyses. Future work Psychiatric decision units should not be commissioned with an expectation of short-term financial return on investment but, if appropriately configured, they can provide better quality of care for people in crisis who would not benefit from acute admission or reduce pressure on emergency department. Study registration The systematic review was registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews as CRD42019151043. Funding This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme (NIHR award ref: 17/49/70) and is published in full in Health and Social Care Delivery Research; Vol. 11, No. 25. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Gillard
- School of Health and Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - Katie Anderson
- School of Health and Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Chloe Crowe
- Adult Acute Mental Health Services, North East London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Lucy Goldsmith
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Heather Jarman
- Emergency Department Clinical Research Unit, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sonia Johnson
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jo Lomani
- School of Health and Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
| | - David McDaid
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Paris Pariza
- Improvement Analytics Unit, Health Foundation, London, UK
| | - A-La Park
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Jared Smith
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Kati Turner
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, UK
| | - Heather Yoeli
- School of Health and Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, UK
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Bossé Chartier G, Lam F, Bergmans Y, Lofchy J, Bolton JM, Klonsky ED, Zaheer J, Kealy D. "Psychotherapy in the Pressure Cooker": A Systematic Review of Single Session Psychosocial Interventions in Emergency Departments for Suicide-related Thoughts or Behaviors. J Psychiatr Pract 2023; 29:291-307. [PMID: 37449827 DOI: 10.1097/pra.0000000000000725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Up to 20% of individuals who die by suicide have visited an emergency department (ED) within 4 weeks of their death. Limited guidance is available regarding the modification of clinical outcomes following a psychosocial intervention in the ED for pediatric and adult populations. METHODS A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted to identify studies focused on single-session psychosocial interventions for pediatric and adult patients experiencing suicide-related thoughts or behaviors (SRTB) in the ED. Two reviewers independently screened articles identified using the key terms suicide/self-harm, emergency department, and interview. Medline, PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and CENTRAL were searched from inception to August 2018. RESULTS After screening 3234 abstracts, 29 articles were selected for full-text review and 14 articles, representing 8 distinct studies (N=782), were included. A high level of heterogeneity was present in the included articles, with 7 randomized-controlled trials, 2 nonrandomized-controlled trials, 2 cohort studies, 2 observational studies, and 1 feasibility study. Most of the included studies focused on adolescents (6 articles) or military veterans (7 articles). Strong statistical evidence of ED interventions improving outpatient service linkage was supported (χ2: 81.80, P<0.0001, 7 studies). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study suggested promising outcomes for patients presenting to the ED with SRTB who receive a single-session psychosocial intervention. All of the studies that measured such outcomes found significantly increased follow-up care in the intervention arm. Further research is needed to strengthen the evidence base, provide better patient representation, and improve our understanding of the mechanisms by which the psychosocial intervention for SRTB in the ED ameliorates patient outcomes (CRD42020156496).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Bossé Chartier
- BOSSÉ CHARTIER, LAM, and KEALY: Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada; BERGMANS and ZAHEER: Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; LOFCHY: Adult Acute Care Psychiatry, St. Joseph's Health Centre and University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; BOLTON: Department of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, and Shared Health Manitoba Crisis Response Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; KLONSKY: Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Emergency Psychiatry: Updates, Future Directions, and Core Concepts. Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ) 2023; 21:70-1. [PMID: 37205034 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.23022003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Balfour ME, Zeller SL. Community-Based Crisis Services, Specialized Crisis Facilities, and Partnerships With Law Enforcement. Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ) 2023; 21:18-27. [PMID: 37205037 PMCID: PMC10172540 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.20220074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
How a community responds to behavioral health emergencies is both a public health issue and a social justice issue. Individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis often receive inadequate care in emergency departments, boarding for hours or days while awaiting treatment. Such crises also account for a quarter of police shootings and 2 million jail bookings per year, and racism and implicit bias magnify these problems for people of color. Fortunately, the new 988 mental health emergency number compounded with police reform movements have created momentum for building behavioral health crisis response systems that deliver comparable quality and consistency of care as we expect for medical emergencies. This paper provides an overview of the rapidly evolving landscape of crisis services. The authors discuss the role of law enforcement and various approaches to lessening the impact on individuals experiencing behavioral health emergencies, especially for historically marginalized populations. The authors provide an overview of the crisis continuum, including crisis hotlines, mobile teams, observation units, crisis residential programs, and peer wraparound services that can help ensure that linkage to aftercare is successful. The authors also highlight opportunities for psychiatric leadership, advocacy, and strategies for creating a well-coordinated crisis system that meets the needs of the community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret E Balfour
- Connections Health Solutions, Phoenix, Arizona, and Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (Balfour); Department of Psychiatry, Vituity, Emeryville, California, and Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California (Zeller)
| | - Scott L Zeller
- Connections Health Solutions, Phoenix, Arizona, and Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (Balfour); Department of Psychiatry, Vituity, Emeryville, California, and Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, California (Zeller)
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Kim I, Bukhman AK, Chen PC, Shah SB, Schmelzer NA, Baymon DE, Sanchez LD, Baugh CW, Im DD. Psychiatric care in the emergency department: Converting boarding time to treatment time. Acad Emerg Med 2022; 29:1512-1514. [PMID: 36006174 DOI: 10.1111/acem.14586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Inkyu Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Harvard Affiliated Emergency Medicine Residency, Mass General Brigham, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alice K Bukhman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Paul C Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sejal B Shah
- Division of Medical Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Naomi A Schmelzer
- Division of Medical Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Da'Marcus E Baymon
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Leon D Sanchez
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Christopher W Baugh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Dana D Im
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Im DD, Scott KW, Venkatesh AK, Lobon LF, Kroll DS, Samuels EA, Wilson MP, Zeller S, Zun LS, Clifford KC, Zachrison KS. A Quality Measurement Framework for Emergency Department Care of Psychiatric Emergencies. Ann Emerg Med 2022; 81:592-605. [PMID: 36402629 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2022.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
As a primary access point for crisis psychiatric care, the emergency department (ED) is uniquely positioned to improve the quality of care and outcomes for patients with psychiatric emergencies. Quality measurement is the first key step in understanding the gaps and variations in emergency psychiatric care to guide quality improvement initiatives. Our objective was to develop a quality measurement framework informed by a comprehensive review and gap analysis of quality measures for ED psychiatric care. We conducted a systematic literature review and convened an expert panel in emergency medicine, psychiatry, and quality improvement to consider if and how existing quality measures evaluate the delivery of emergency psychiatric care in the ED setting. The expert panel reviewed 48 measures, of which 5 were standardized, and 3 had active National Quality Forum endorsement. Drawing from the measure appraisal, we developed a quality measurement framework with specific structural, process, and outcome measures across the ED care continuum. This framework can help shape an emergency medicine roadmap for future clinical quality improvement initiatives, research, and advocacy work designed to improve outcomes for patients presenting with psychiatric emergencies.
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Simpson SA, Shy BD, Loh RM. More than Suicide: Mortality after Emergency Psychiatric Care and Implications for Practice. J Acad Consult Liaison Psychiatry 2022:S2667-2960(21)00203-2. [PMID: 35017123 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaclp.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emergency departments (EDs) provide vital mental health services. ED patients with behavioral health presentations, particularly suicidal ideation, are at increased risk of death by suicide, medical illness, trauma, or overdose. Causes of death for patients who receive specialty emergency psychiatric services remain undescribed. OBJECTIVE We describe the incidence and cause of death after care in a psychiatric emergency service (PES). METHODS Mortality data were obtained for all adult patients treated in a safety net ED from April 2016 to June 2020. Causes of death were categorized as medical, external (accidents, overdoses, and homicide), or suicide and compared between PES patients and ED patients who were not treated in the PES. Correlates of mortality were described for PES patients. RESULTS We analyzed 164,422 encounters including 6,063 PES visits. Mortality in the 30 days after discharge was 0.3% among PES patients and 0.6% among medical ED patients. At both 30 and 365 days, PES patients were more likely to die by suicide than were medical ED patients, and ED patients were more likely to die by medical causes. Among PES patients who died within 365 days, 46% died by medical causes, 32% by external causes, and 23% by suicide. In multivariable analyses, age was associated with all-cause, medical, and external mortality after a PES visit; opioid and stimulant use disorders were associated with all-cause and external mortality. CONCLUSIONS Most patients who die after receiving emergency psychiatric care die by medical and external causes such as accidents, overdose, and homicide. Patients who are older and have opioid or stimulant use disorders are at higher risk of non-suicide mortality. We propose interventions to re-imagine emergency psychiatric care and address non-suicide mortality among psychiatric patients treated in emergency and crisis settings.
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