title: Process and outcome evaluation of an emergency department intervention for persons with mental health concerns using a population health approach.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada N6A 5C1. evingili@uwo.ca
authors.forename: Evelyn
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Vingilis
authors.forename: Kathleen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hartford
authors.forename: Kristine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Diaz
authors.forename: Beth
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mitchell
authors.forename: Raj
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Velamoor
authors.forename: Marnie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wedlake
authors.forename: Dawn
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: White
mesh_terms: 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