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The Management of Children and Youth With Pediatric Mental and Behavioral Health Emergencies.

The Management of Children and Youth With Pediatric Mental and Behavioral Health Emergencies.

Authors :
Saidinejad, Mohsen
Duffy, Susan
Wallin, Dina
Hoffmann, Jennifer A.
Joseph, Madeline
Uhlenbrock, Jennifer Schieferle
Brown, Kathleen
Waseem, Muhammad
Snow, Sally K.
Andrew, Madeline
Kuo, Alice A.
Sulton, Carmen
Chun, Thomas
Lee, Lois K.
Source :
Journal of Emergency Nursing; Sep2023, Vol. 49 Issue 5, p703-713, 11p
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

Mental and behavioral health (MBH) emergencies in children and youth continue to increasingly affect not only the emergency department (ED), but the entire spectrum of emergency medical services for children, from prehospital services to the community. Inadequate community and institutional infrastructure to care for children and youth with MBH conditions makes the ED an essential part of the health care safety net for these patients. As a result, an increasing number of children and youth are referred to the ED for evaluation of a broad spectrum of MBH emergencies, from depression and suicidality to disruptive and aggressive behavior. However, challenges in providing optimal care to these patients include lack of personnel, capacity, and infrastructure, challenges with timely access to a mental health professional, the nature of a busy ED environment, and paucity of outpatient post-ED discharge resources. These factors contribute to prolonged ED stays and boarding, which negatively affects patient care and ED operations. Strategies to improve care for MBH emergencies, including systems level coordination of care, is therefore essential. The goal of this policy statement and its companion technical report is to highlight strategies, resources, and recommendations for improving emergency care delivery for pediatric MBH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00991767
Volume :
49
Issue :
5
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Journal of Emergency Nursing
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
170744975
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jen.2023.07.005