Citation

Hopper SM, Pangestu I, Cations J, Stewart C, Sharwood LN, Babl FE. Emerg. Med. J. 2011; 28(2): 159-160.

Affiliation

Emergency Department, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, BMJ Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1136/emj.2008.062745

PMID

20844100

Abstract

To improve care of adolescents in mental health crisis, the role of routine follow-up calls in discharged patients with referral plans after emergency department (ED) presentation to a children's hospital was explored. Main outcome measure was patient attendance at referral sites. In 113 mental health patients with follow-up appointments, either patient/carers or corresponding referral services could be contacted. Median age was 14 years, 77% were girls, and most presentations were after self-harm/depression (61%). Eighty-three per cent (95% CI 75% to 90%) were compliant with the discharge plan without prompting from the ED staff. Fourteen per cent (95% CI 8% to 22%) did not comply after being called by ED staff, and only 3% (95% CI 1% to 7%) were persuaded to attend their outpatient care after being prompted by ED staff. Routine follow-up calls for adolescent mental health patients after ED care are not warranted in all settings.

Language: en