Objective: Emergency departments (EDs) frequently encounter patients experiencing mental health (MH) crises, which significantly affect healthcare systems. This study analyzed the demographic characteristics and outcomes of adults referred for psychiatric consultation in an ED for more than one year.
Material and Methods: Ethical approval was secured, and data were collected from patients aged 18 years and older who presented to Ankara Mamak State Hospital’s ED between November 2021 and December 2023. Data collected included demographics, psychiatric history, active suicidal ideation, medical treatment, and patient disposition. Patient outcomes, including ED discharge, hospitalization in Ankara Mamak State Hospital, referral to a psychiatric clinic, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission, were compared with descriptive data to assess the influence of patient characteristics.
Results: Of the 57 patients (66.7% female) included in this study, majority of the visits occurred between 08:00 and 16:00. Thirteen patients exhibited active suicidal ideation, with depressive disorders being the most prevalent diagnosis (n=30). Notably, patients without prior psychiatric diagnoses were more likely to be discharged (p=0.038), whereas those who attempted suicide shortly before admission had higher hospitalization rates (p=0.001).
Conclusion: This study identified relevant demographic and clinical factors that may influence psychiatric consultations in the ED. The significant presence of suicidal ideation prior to visits underscores the urgent need for timely intervention. Integrating psychiatric services within emergency care is vital for optimizing patient outcomes and ensuring that individuals with MH crises receive appropriate management. Future research should focus on developing standardized protocols for psychiatric consultations to enhance the quality of care in ED settings.
Keywords: Emergency department, psychiatric, emergency medicine, consultation, suicide
