Three ways to improve mental health crisis care
Over-burdened staff, stressful Emergency Department (ED) environments and a lack of alternative crisis care options are significantly impacting the experiences of people seeking urgent mental health care.
The Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research study shows the growing numbers of individuals seeking mental health care in EDs often have negative experiences that do not support their mental health.
The study, led by Dr Claudia Bull, revealed the quality of interactions with ED staff significantly influenced whether patients had a positive or negative experience.
“The majority of individuals felt invalidated, unwelcome and stigmatised in the ED, resulting in feelings of shame and further contributing to distress,” Dr Bull said.
“Individuals who received compassionate and personalised care from mental health specialists and peer workers reported feeling heard and understood.
“In addition to enhanced mental health education for ED staff, hiring more mental health practitioners and peer workers in EDs where they are not commonplace, would dramatically improve experiences.
“It’s important to recognise EDs and mental healthcare systems face significant systemic challenges and overcrowding, contributing to poor patient experiences that are not solely due to staff attitudes.”
Co-investigator, Dr Jia Yin Goh added the long wait times, lack of privacy and chaotic ED environments often worsened people’s distress.
“Many people felt that, with a lack of appropriate community support services available, especially on weeknights and weekends, they had no other option but to seek help in an ED,” Dr Goh said.
"Our findings underscore the critical need for greater investment in community-based mental health services to alleviate the burden on EDs.
"By addressing these issues and improving the care we provide, we can create a more compassionate and effective system of care for people who are in urgent need of mental health care."
Established in 1987, QCMHR is funded by Queensland Health to work state-wide and contribute to the local, national, and global research efforts to improve mental health.
This article was published in the Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
For further information:
Dr Claudia Bull, Research Fellow
Media contact:
Laura Corcoran, Research Communications Officer