title: Frequent emergency department use by individuals seeking mental healthcare: a systematic search and review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to compare research on individuals who frequently use the ED for mental health complaints including parameters used to identify the population, as well as socio-demographic, clinical, and service use factors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Systematic search and review of Medline, Cinahl, PsycInfo, and HealthStar (1980 to 2011). Double-data extraction ensured accuracy. Descriptive statistics were reported.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirteen studies were included. Median sample size was 100. Parameters varied across studies. Profile: young, unemployed males living in transient accommodations, diagnosis of a psychotic disorder, self-referral to the ED for symptoms/unmet needs, and discharge to community resources.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Consistently used, meaningful definitions/parameters are needed.
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. amanda.digel@queensu.ca
authors.forename: Amanda Digel
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Vandyk
authors.forename: Margaret B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.forename: Elizabeth G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: VanDenKerkhof
authors.forename: Ian D
authors.initials: ID
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ross-White
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003688:Deinstitutionalization; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006300:Health Services Misuse; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000451:nursing*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States; D014600:Utilization Review