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Predictors for clinical deterioration of mental state in patients assessed by telephone-based mental health triage

journal contribution
posted on 2017-06-01, 00:00 authored by Natisha SandsNatisha Sands, S Elsom, R Corbett, S Keppich-Arnold, R Prematunga, Michael BerkMichael Berk, Julie ConsidineJulie Considine
Patient safety research focussing on recognizing and responding to clinical deterioration is gaining momentum in generalist health, but has received little attention in mental health settings. The focus on early identification and prompt intervention for clinical deterioration enshrined in patient safety research is equally relevant to mental health, especially in triage and crisis care contexts, yet the knowledge gap in this area is substantial. The present study was a controlled cohort study (n = 817) that aimed to identify patient and service characteristics associated with clinical deterioration of mental state indicated by unplanned admission to an inpatient psychiatric unit following assessment by telephone-based mental health triage. The main objective of the research was to produce knowledge to improve understandings of mental deterioration that can be used to inform early detection, intervention, and prevention strategies at the point of triage. The results of the study found that the clinical profile of admitted patients was one of complexity and severity. Admitted patients were more likely to have had complex psychiatric histories with multiple psychiatric admissions, severe psychotic symptoms, a history of treatment non-adherence, and poorer social functioning than non-admitted patients.

History

Journal

International journal of mental health nursing

Volume

26

Pagination

226-237

Location

Milton, Qld.

ISSN

1445-8330

eISSN

1447-0349

Language

eng

Publication classification

C Journal article, C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journal

Copyright notice

2016, Australian College of Mental Health Nurses

Issue

3

Publisher

Wiley-Blackwell