Emergency medicine journal : EMJ
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Long lengths of stay (also called waiting times) in emergency departments (EDs) are associated with higher patient mortality and worse outcomes. ⋯ These results suggest that tackling patient flow and capacity in the wider hospital, particularly very high bed occupancy levels and patient discharge, is important to reduce ED waiting times and improve patient outcomes.
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Observational Study
Mental health in hospital emergency departments: cross-sectional analysis of attendances in England 2013/2014.
To describe the population of patients who attend emergency departments (ED) in England for mental health reasons. ⋯ This is the first national study of mental health attendances at EDs in England. We provide information for those planning and providing care, to ensure that clinical resources meet the needs of this patient group, who comprise 4.2% of attendances. In particular, we highlight the need to strengthen the availability of hospital and community care 'out of hours.'
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This study aimed to investigate and collate the opinions of experts regarding the triage of patients in mental health crisis presenting to EDs. ⋯ A broadly based, multispecialty, multiprofessional expert Delphi panel has reached consensus on 52 statements concerning the triage of patients presenting in mental health crisis to EDs. The triage tool derived from this work can be used to inform the design of triage instruments employed to prioritise patients with physical and mental health problems equitably.