Process and outcome evaluation of an emergency department intervention for persons with mental health concerns using a population health approach.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate an emergency department's use of a mental health triage and mental health crisis counsellor for persons presenting with mental health concerns.


METHODS
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.
Vingilis
Evelyn
E
Department of Family Medicine, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada N6A 5C1. evingili@uwo.ca
Hartford
Kathleen
K
Diaz
Kristine
K
Mitchell
Beth
B
Velamoor
Raj
R
Wedlake
Marnie
M
White
Dawn
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003376:Counseling; D003625:Data Collection; D004637:Emergency Services, Psychiatric; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders; D008875:Middle Aged; D009864:Ontario; D014218:Triage