An Evaluation of Satisfaction with Emergency Department Care in Children and Adolescents with Mental Health Concerns

Overview

Journal CJEM

Publisher Springer

Specialty Emergency Medicine

Date 2023 May 3

PMID 37133634

Authors

Conne Lategan

Amanda S Newton

Jennifer Thull-Freedman

Antonia Stang

Eddy Lang

Paul Arnold

Michael Stubbs

Stephen B Freedman

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Objectives: We hypothesized that an association exists between satisfaction with ED mental health care delivery and patient and system characteristics. Primary: To evaluate overall satisfaction with ED mental health care delivery. Secondary: To explore aspects of ED mental health care delivery associated with general satisfaction, and patient and ED visit characteristic associated with total satisfaction scores and reported care experience themes.

Methods: We enrolled patients < 18 years of age presenting with a mental health concern between February 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021, to two pediatric EDs in Alberta, Canada. Satisfaction data were collected using the Service Satisfaction Scale, a measure of global satisfaction with mental health services. Association of general satisfaction with ED mental health care was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient and variables associated with total satisfaction score was assessed using multivariable regression analyses. Inductive thematic analysis of qualitative feedback identified satisfaction and patient experience themes.

Results: 646 participants were enrolled. 71.2% were Caucasian and 56.3% female. Median age was 13 years (IQR 11-15). Parents/caregivers (n = 606) and adolescents (n = 40) were most satisfied with confidentiality and respect in the ED and least satisfied with how ED services helped reduce symptoms and/or problems. General satisfaction was associated with perceived amount of help received in the ED (r = 0.85) and total satisfaction with evaluation by a mental health team member (p = 0.004) and psychiatrist consultation (p = 0.05). Comments demonstrated satisfaction with ED provider attitudes and interpersonal skills and dissatisfaction with access to mental health and addictions care, wait time, and the impact of COVID-19.

Conclusions: There is a need to improve ED mental health care delivery, with a focus on timely access to ED mental health providers. Access to outpatient/community-based mental health care is needed to complement care received in the ED and to provide continuity of care for youth with mental health concerns.

Citing Articles

Parents' Experiences of Accessing Mental Health Services for Their Adolescents With Mental Health Challenges: A Scoping Review.

Nic Dhonnacha S, Kerr L, McCague Y, Cawley D J Clin Nurs. 2024; 33(12):4602-4617.

PMID: 39405082 PMC: 11579564. DOI: 10.1111/jocn.17469.

Key Considerations in Integrating a Peer Support Model Within Psychiatric Emergency Services at a Canadian Pediatric Emergency Department: A Qualitative Study.

Hews-Girard J, Cullen E, Sauerwein J, Coventry C, Dimitropoulos G Community Ment Health J. 2024; 61(3):576-586.

PMID: 39347849 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-024-01365-5.

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