Healthcare Policy

Healthcare Policy 19(4) August 2024 : 55-69.doi:10.12927/hcpol.2024.27333
Research Paper

Reasons for High Emergency Department Use Among Patients With Common Mental Disorders or Substance-Related Disorders

Karine-Michèle Dion, Francine Ferland, Lambert Farand, Lise Gauvin and Marie-Josée Fleury

Abstract

Aims: This study examined the reasons for high emergency department (ED) use among patients with common mental disorders (MDs), substance-related disorders (SRDs) or co-occurring MDs-SRDs.

Method: Following content analysis, 42 high ED users (three-plus visits/year) recruited in two Quebec EDs were interviewed.

Results: The reasons included barriers to outpatient care, patient disabilities and professional practices. Patients with SRDs trust outpatient services less, those with MDs had important unmet needs and those with MDs-SRDs faced care coordination issues.

Conclusion: Improvements such as ED use monitoring, consolidating MD-SRD practices and continuous training are needed in EDs and outpatient services to enhance access and continuity of care.

 

Comments

Be the first to comment on this!

Related Articles

Note: Please enter a display name. Your email address will not be publically displayed