Triage in psychiatric emergency services in Copenhagen: results from a descriptive 1-year evaluation study
Engelsk titel: Triage in psychiatric emergency services in Copenhagen: results from a descriptive 1-year evaluation study
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Författare:
Höegh, Erica Bernt
;
Knop, Joachim
;
Saebye, Ditte
Email: hans-joachim.knop.01@regionh.dk
Språk: Eng
Antal referenser: 19
Dokumenttyp:
Artikel
UI-nummer: 18020212
Sammanfattning
Inspired by the Australasian triage system, a regional psychiatric triage system was introduced in the
psychiatric emergency units (PEUs) in Copenhagen in 2011. Our aim of the study is to determine the
characteristics of the patient according to the defined triage criteria and check if this is in accordance
with recommendations. A random 10% data sample was obtained throughout 2012 in three PEUs of
Copenhagen. Triage category, demographic, social and clinically relevant variables were collected. A
total of 929 contacts were registered. We found significant associations between triage category and
several clinical parameters. Time of visit was correlated to diagnoses. The results indicate that use of
the new triage system in emergency psychiatry has facilitated urgency categorization, reduced waiting
time, and optimized clinical decisions. These goals are important clinical implications of the service in
PEUs. The need for PEUs out-of-daytime (when all Community Mental Health Centers are closed) has
also been demonstrated.