Enhancing the behavioral health experience in the emergency department

Challenges in delivery of behavioral health care have been evident for decades. Millions of patients with mental health issues are underserved due to the lack of outpatient resources and inpatient treatment options available to them.¹ For these patients, a visit to the emergency department may be the only option when crisis strikes.

Unfortunately, many EDs are not well equipped to handle them. Overtaxed facilities and a shortage of specialists means managing and securing an inpatient bed for patients with behavioral health issues who require admission can take hours or days.¹  To exacerbate the situation, new societal stressors are at play as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and healthcare systems are already experiencing an influx of new patients with behavioral health issues.

What does the data show us?

In many ED consulting engagements over the years, our consultants found that behavioral health issues were often of significant concern. Frequently, patients present with comorbidities such as alcohol and drugs/opioid misuse, and exhibit symptoms such as depression, anxiety and suicidality.

In fact, the CDC suggests that from 1999 to 2017, the age-adjusted suicide rate has increased by 33% and is the second leading cause of death for ages 10–34.² The increase in patients with behavioral health issues who visit an ED is due, in part, to the lack of other care options for them in their community.

Our unique approach

A review of behavioral health policies and procedures is done to identify relevance and alignment with best practices and regulatory guidance. A secondary emphasis should be placed on establishing and reinforcing communication with local community behavioral health resources.

Our consultants have also identified the need for targeted behavioral health education for ED nursing staff and providers.  

If you’d liked to learn more about how our consultants help identify opportunities for improved efficiency and an enhanced ED experience for both staff and patients with behavioral health issues, download the white paper or contact us today!