Epidemiology of Mental Health Attendances at Emergency Departments: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PLoS One. 2016 Apr 27;11(4):e0154449. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154449. eCollection 2016.

Abstract

Background: The characteristics of Emergency Department (ED) attendances due to mental or behavioural health disorders need to be described to enable appropriate development of services. We aimed to describe the epidemiology of mental health-related ED attendances within health care systems free at the point of access, including clinical reason for presentation, previous service use, and patient sociodemographic characteristics.

Method: Systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies describing ED attendances by patients with common mental health conditions.

Findings: 18 studies from seven countries met eligibility criteria. Patients attending due to mental or behavioural health disorders accounted for 4% of ED attendances; a third were due to self-harm or suicidal ideation. 58.1% of attendees had a history of psychiatric illness and up to 58% were admitted. The majority of studies were single site and of low quality so results must be interpreted cautiously.

Conclusions: Prevalence studies of mental health-related ED attendances are required to enable the development of services to meet specific needs.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Australia / epidemiology
  • Canada / epidemiology
  • Emergency Service, Hospital / statistics & numerical data*
  • Europe / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Hospitalization / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Mental Health / statistics & numerical data*
  • Prevalence
  • Self-Injurious Behavior / epidemiology*
  • Suicidal Ideation

Grants and funding

The research was supported by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care North Thames at Barts Health NHS Trust. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health.