[Appropriateness and complexity of the psychiatric emergencies in a general hospital].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to provide data about the characteristics of consultations in a Psychiatric Emergency Unit of a General Hospital.


METHODS
We evaluated prospectively all patients attended in the Psychiatric Emergency Unit of the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona over a period of 40 days. A standardized registry was applied.


RESULTS
The sample consisted of 1,054 cases (52.9% women and 47.1% men). The most frequent reason for consultation was anxiety (33.4%). Some medication was administered in 59.4% cases and 20.5% of patients were hospitalized. The consultation was considered appropriate in 60.1% cases. Complementary exams were performed in 28.9% patients. In 21.7% cases, the patient had to be studied by more than one specialist.


CONCLUSIONS
Consultations to a Psychiatric Emergency Unit may be complex, and therefore it seems reasonable that a general hospital has to be the ideal location for these units.
de Pablo Rabassó
Joan
J
Institut Clínic de Psiquiatria i Psicologia, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, España.
Parramon Puig
Gemma
G
Goikolea Alberdi
Juan Manuel
JM
Corbella Santomà
Bárbara
B
Fuente Díaz
Eduardo
E
D000328:Adult; D004637:Emergency Services, Psychiatric / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006769:Hospitals, General / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011567:Psychiatric Department, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*