Patient flow from emergency department to inpatient psychiatric unit – a narrative review. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Purushothaman, Subramanian
• Is Part Of: Australasian psychiatry. Volume 29:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 41
• Page End: 46
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: length of stay -- emergency department -- psychiatric short stay unit -- patient flow; Psychiatry -- Australasia -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1177/1039856220936629
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1039-8562

Abstract

Objective: To review the literature on common issues impacting psychiatric patient flow in emergency departments (EDs) and to explore evidence-based solutions proposed to improve patient flow. Methods: The review was divided into three parts and a broad array of keywords were chosen to achieve greater depth in the review. Administrative data and organisational publications were included along with peer-reviewed articles in various databases. Results: Psychiatric patients have increased ED length of stay (EDLOS) and the proportion of psychiatric presentations in ED has increased significantly. 1 Several factors contributed to increased EDLOS. Introduction of psychiatric short stay units, 2 improving patient flow 3 and appropriate increase in beds were identified as some of the possible solutions to improve patient flow. Conclusion: Psychiatric patient flow in ED is a complex issue and needs a coordinated approach to improve access. Future studies should focus on understanding the effectiveness of some of the proposed strategies.