Frequent mental health and addiction related
emergency department vVisits: Perspectives
from healthcare providers
Hua Li
Background: The rise in mental health and addiction (MHA)-
related emergency department (ED) visits has been recognized
as a contributing factor to ED crises and increasing healthcare
costs. While prior research has largely centred on patients’ perspectives, limited attention has been given to healthcare providers’ (HCPs’) insights. This qualitative study specifically explores
HCPs’ perceptions of the reasons patients with MHA issues frequently present to EDs.
Methods: Healthcare providers were recruited from EDs, and
MHA services of the local health authority and community
agencies. Data collection involved semi-structured individual
interviews. The thematic analysis approach was utilized in data
analysis.
Results: Six HCPs from diverse disciplines participated in this
qualitative study. Four major themes emerged from the data
analysis: (a) social determinants of mental health (housing crisis
and financial problems); (b) structural barriers (overstimulation
and not a priority in ED, inadequate knowledge and training
among HCPs, lack of detox facilities, stigma from HCPs, and shortages of HCPs); (c) suggestions for prevention (more funding/resources and early childhood education); and (e) HCPs’
responses to working with patients (making a difference and
rewarding).
Implications and lessons learned: The findings indicate the
importance of MHA specialty training for HCPs, combined
with innovative anti-stigma initiatives. Nurses can play a crucial role in policy development focusing on enhancing MHA
services, and ultimately reducing MHA-related emergency
visits.