title: Telepsychiatric assessment of a mariner expressing suicidal ideation.
abstract: This case report highlights the successful use of telepsychiatric consultation by secure video chat to remotely assess a mariner expressing suicidal ideation. As a result of this intervention, telemedicine providers initiated psychiatric stabilisation while the mariner was still aboard the vessel, determined that he was safe for repatriation under the care of qualified medical escorts, and facilitated admission to a psychiatric facility near his home in the United States. Mental health emergencies are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among mariners. Telepsychiatry is a validated method of establishing a psychiatric diagnosis and disposition as well as assessing risk of suicidality and the potential for violent decompensation. It has the potential to be a valuable adjunct to any traditional maritime telemedicine service.
authors: Medical Faculty Associates Department of Emergency Medicine, Washington, United States. axlee@mfa.gwu.edu.
authors: Alexander
authors: A
authors: Lee
authors: Neal
authors: N
authors: Sikka
authors: Francis
authors: F
authors: O'Connell
authors: Allen
authors: A
authors: Dyer
authors: Keith
authors: K
authors: Boniface
authors: James
authors: J
authors: Betz
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009326:Naval Medicine; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D059020:Suicidal Ideation; D017216:Telemedicine