Date of Award

12-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc)

First Advisor

Jason Brumitt

Abstract

During the past decade, emergency rooms (ER) across the country have become inundated with patients seeking treatment for behavioral health-related concerns. It was found in the United States in 2011 that one in four patients presenting to the emergency room did so with a mental health disorder. Patients present with a range of behavioral health concerns, including depression/anxiety, suicidal ideation, psychosis, substance use disorder, and suicidal attempts. It has been found that 1 in every five patients presenting to the ER with a mental health concern will return within 6 months. Within the same study, over 4 years, 44.8% (4796) of visitors were repeat patients, with the total number of mental health visits being 9018. The length of stay for patients experiencing a mental health concern is 42% longer than the average ER patient, averaging over 11 hours. The ER continues to remain a sole point of contact for patients experiencing a mental health crisis. The triaging, treatment, and referral to outpatient resources of mental health patients seen in the ER directly affect immediate and post-discharge outcomes.

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