Adolescents in mental health crisis: the role of routine follow-up calls after emergency department visits. Issue 2 (15th September 2010)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hopper, S M; Pangestu, I; Cations, J; Stewart, C; Sharwood, L N; Babl, F E
• Is Part Of: Emergency medicine journal. Volume 28:Issue 2(2011)
• Page Start: 159
• Page End: 160
• Publication Date: 2010-09-15
• Subjects: Adolescent -- mental health -- emergency department -- screening -- emergency care systems -- paediatrics; Emergency medicine -- Periodicals; 616.02505
• DOI: 10.1136/emj.2008.062745
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1472-0205

Abstract

Abstract : 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.