• S M Hopper, I Pangestu, J Cations, C Stewart, L N Sharwood, and F E Babl.
• Emergency Department, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. sandy.hopper@rch.org.au
• Emerg Med J. 2011 Feb 1; 28 (2): 159-60.

AbstractTo 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.

16 keywords...

hide…