Abstract
Aims and methodTo understand the experience of companions of patients seen in the emergency department by liaison psychiatry teams. Participants were recruited via purposive sampling following a recent visit to the emergency department of an inner- or outer-London hospital. Semi-structured interviews were administered to all participants. RESULTS: Two major themes were generated. The first concerned the appropriateness of the clinical space, in which 'noise', 'privacy' and the 'waiting area' were subthemes. The second was communication with staff, including subthemes of 'wanting more information' and a 'desire to be more involved'.Clinical implicationsLiaison psychiatry services should consider appropriateness of the clinical space, promoting improved communication between staff and patients' companions, and a review of the information provided to companions in the emergency department. This research offers a novel perspective on liaison psychiatry and will enhance current understanding and clinical practice.Declaration of interestNone.
Highlights
Hospital emergency departments have seen a 50% increase in demand over the past decade and approximately 5% of attendances are for mental health assessment and treatment.[1]
Liaison psychiatry bridges this interface, and for many patients it is their first point of contact with National Health Service (NHS) mental health services
We aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of companions attending the emergency department with loved ones who were presenting for first-time help-seeking with an acute mental health crisis
Summary
Hospital emergency departments have seen a 50% increase in demand over the past decade and approximately 5% of attendances are for mental health assessment and treatment.[1]. There are considerable drivers for continued development of such services, including the Five Year Forward View[2] and the Crisis Care Concordat.[3] The government has pledged £247 million to liaison psychiatry services in emergency departments over the 5 years.[2]. Research has yet to explore these services from a companion’s perspective, those who accompany individuals to the emergency department during the acute crisis – individuals who often provide vital emotional support, as well as crucial collateral information to clinicians. Their views may considerably affect individual’s attendance at, and engagement with, the emergency department and mental health services more generally
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