Adolescents in mental health crisis: the role of routine follow-up calls after emergency department visits.
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.
Hopper
S M
SM
Emergency Department, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. sandy.hopper@rch.org.au
Pangestu
I
I
Cations
J
J
Stewart
C
C
Sharwood
L N
LN
Babl
F E
FE
D000293:Adolescent; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D002648:Child; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D017010:Reminder Systems