Effect of a 24/7 nursing presence in a police watch house on police presentations to the emergency department

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 924
Author(s):  
Julia Crilly ◽  
Cathy Lincoln ◽  
Paul Scuffham ◽  
Josh Byrnes ◽  
Jo Timms ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Emergency Care ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Police Custody ◽  
Nursing Presence

ObjectivePeople detained in police custody are a vulnerable population with complex health needs, sometimes requiring emergency care. This study evaluated the effect of a 24/7 nursing presence in a police watch house on police presentations to the emergency department (ED). MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study conducted in a regional ED in Queensland. Equal time periods of 66 days before (T1), during (T2) and after (T3) the pilot service was trialled in 2013 were compared to determine changes in patient and service delivery outcomes. The time to see a doctor in the ED, ED length of stay, hospital admission rate, number of transfers from the watch house to the ED and associated costs were measured. The nature of health care delivered by nurses to detainees in the watch house during the pilot was also examined. ResultsFewer detainees were transferred from the police watch house to the ED during the pilot period (T1, n=40; T2, n=29; T3, n=34). Cost reductions associated with reduced police and ambulance attendance, as well as hospitalisations, outweighed the watch house nursing costs, with cost savings estimated at AUD7800 per week (60% benefiting police; 40% benefiting the health service). The most common health problems addressed during the 1313 healthcare delivery episodes provided to 351 detainees in the watch house during the pilot related to substance misuse, chronic disease and mental health problems. ConclusionFewer transfers from the police watch house to the ED were noted when there was a 24/7 nursing presence in the watch house. This model appears to be economically efficient, but further research is required. What is known about the topic?People detained in police custody are a vulnerable population with complex health needs, sometimes requiring emergency care. What does this paper add?Transfers from the police watch house to the ED were fewer when there was a 24/7 nursing presence in the police watch house (an economically efficient model). Nursing care provided to detainees in the watch house setting predominantly related to substance misuse, chronic disease and mental health problems. What are the implications for practitioners?With a 24/7 nursing presence in the police watch house, transfer to the ED was avoided for some detainees. Similar strategies that respond to coronial recommendations advocating for enhancements in police–health collaboration warrant evaluation.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Problems and Substance Use Presentations to an Emergency Department

2011 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 521-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa Bell ◽  
Robyn Stargatt ◽  
Peter Bosanac ◽  
David Castle ◽  
George Braitberg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Prescription Medications ◽  
Self Mutilation

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the characteristics and referral pattern of children and adolescents with mental health problems, substance misuse and comorbidity presenting to the emergency department (ED) of a large public hospital. Method: A file audit of the ED information system was conducted over a 12 month period. Outcome measures included age, gender, diagnostic presentation, assessment, referral and disposal. Results: Forty-four substance misuse, 128 mental health and 82 comorbidity presentations were identified; 80% required treatment within 30 minutes. Few substance misuse cases were seen by mental health services and no substance misuse cases were referred for mental health service assessment. All mental health and comorbidity cases were seen by mental health services; 41% were referred to outpatient and 18% to inpatient services. Those with mental health problems displayed high levels of self-mutilation, and those with comorbidity displayed high levels of self-mutilation and substance misuse. Alcohol use was common in the substance misuse group, and over the counter or prescription medications were abused by the mental health and comorbidity groups. Conclusions: This age group places a high demand on the ED. All children and adolescents with recognized mental health symptoms were seen by mental health services, but those with substance misuse were not. Given the long-term problems associated with substance misuse, this is a missed opportunity for intervention.

The health needs of imprisoned female juvenile offenders: The views of the young women prisoners and youth justice professionals

2008 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 66-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Douglas ◽  
Emma Plugge
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sexual Health ◽  
Young Women ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Health Needs ◽  
Women Prisoners ◽  
Female Juvenile Offenders ◽  
Self Harm

Little is known about the health needs of detained juvenile females, yet there is emerging concern regarding substance misuse, mental health problems, poor sexual health and poorer general physical health on a range of indicators. This study sought to identify health needs from the perspective of imprisoned young women themselves and key professionals working with them to inform healthcare provision. We conducted semi‐structured interviews and focus groups with detained juvenile women and adult professionals in four specialist female young offender institutions. The study presents new qualitative findings on the profound impact of social exclusion and multiple forms of abuse and victimisation on the health of juvenile women prisoners. Concerns regarding substance misuse, mental health problems, self‐harm and poor sexual health are reinforced by this study. Young women tended to focus on their immediate health needs in contrast to the professionals who emphasised longer‐term issues. The study identified the need for priority interventions in relation to mental health, substance misuse, self‐harm and sexual health and tentatively suggests that ‘compensatory care’may offer some scope to redress health inequalities experienced by these young women.

scholarly journals Severe and enduring mental health problems within an established substance misuse treatment partnership

2014 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 216-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn Walsh ◽  
Alex Copello
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Substance Use ◽  
Suicide Risk ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
The Past ◽  
Self Harm ◽  
Effective Service

Aims and methodThe study reports findings of an investigation into the presence of severe and enduring mental health problems within the four statutory and non-statutory teams of an established substance misuse treatment partnership.ResultsOf a total of 772 clients in the four teams surveyed, 69 (8.9%) were identified as having severe and enduring mental health problems and problem substance use in the past 12 months. Alcohol was the most prevalent substance used by this predominantly male group. Different rates were found across the four teams, with higher numbers in the non-statutory teams. The clients displayed significant levels of self-harm and suicide risk and were responsible for 131 acute service contacts over the past 12 months.Clinical implicationsClients with severe and enduring mental health problems engaged with substance misuse services display high levels of complex need. It is important to identify the best and most effective service response to this group.

scholarly journals Victimization Experiences, Substance Misuse, and Mental Health Problems in Relation to Risk for Lethality Among African American and African Caribbean Women

2013 ◽  
Vol 28 (16) ◽  
pp. 3223-3241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bushra Sabri ◽  
Jamila K. Stockman ◽  
Desiree R. Bertrand ◽  
Doris W. Campbell ◽  
Gloria B. Callwood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
African American ◽  
Substance Misuse ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Caribbean Women ◽  
African Caribbean

Mental Health Problems in Children and Adolescents in the Emergency Department

2017 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. e8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giorgio Cozzi ◽  
Marta Minute ◽  
Giovanna Ventura ◽  
Egidio Barbi
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Emergency Department ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems
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