Citation

Vingilis ER, Hartford K, Diaz K, Mitchell B, Velamoor R, Wedlake M, White D. Adm. Policy Ment. Health 2007; 34(2): 160-171.

Affiliation

Department of Family Medicine, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada N6A 5C1. evingili@uwo.ca

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s10488-006-0093-8

PMID

17024576

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate an emergency department's use of a mental health triage and mental health crisis counsellor for persons presenting with mental health concerns.

METHOD: Mixed method (qualitative and quantitative), multiple measures.

RESULTS: Significant pre- and post-intervention reductions for wait time, security incidents and hospital admissions were found. Follow ups with a community agency, medications and a psychiatrist increased post-intervention, while follow ups with detox decreased post-intervention.

CONCLUSIONS: The qualitative and quantitative findings are congruent with other studies supporting the use of properly implemented mental health triage and crisis counsellors to improve the care of persons with mental health concerns.

Language: en