Current Pediatric Emergency Department Innovative Programs to Improve the Care of Psychiatric Patients

Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2018 Jul;27(3):441-454. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2018.02.004. Epub 2018 Apr 17.

Abstract

Emergency departments (EDs) across North America have become a safety net for patients seeking mental health (MH) services. The prevalence of families seeking treatment of children in MH crisis has become a national emergency. To address MH access and improve quality and efficient management of children with MH conditions, the authors describe ED projects targeting this vulnerable population. Five North American health care systems volunteered to feature projects that seek to reduce ED visits and/or improve the care of MH patients: Allina Health, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, and Rhode Island Hospital.

Keywords: Care coordination; Emergency department; Mental health; Pediatric emergency department.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Emergency Service, Hospital* / standards
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / diagnosis*
  • Mental Disorders / therapy*
  • Patient Care Team* / standards