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Published in: The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research 4/2017

01-10-2017

Delayed Access to Involuntary Mental Health Examinations

Authors: Laura Brennaman, PhD, RN CEN, Blake Boursaw, MS, BSM, Annette Christy, PhD, Robin Meize-Growchowski, PhD, RN

Published in: The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research | Issue 4/2017

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Abstract

Delayed access to involuntary mental health examination for people who receive care in emergency departments (EDs) was examined, and factors that influenced delayed access were explored. A retrospective review of records for the 12 months prior to data collection was conducted to address the study questions. The health services utilization model served as the conceptual framework for this study. Societal, system, and individual factors were considered in examining access to involuntary emergency mental health examination by adult ED patients. Records of 170 people who sought care in EDs and who required involuntary mental health examinations at two hospitals in Florida served as the sources for study data. The mean duration of delay was 14.9 h. The determinants that were significantly associated with longer delays were being male, increased age, and intoxication. The findings can inform the allocation of resources to increase opportunities for positive long-term outcomes following involuntary care.
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Metadata
Title
Delayed Access to Involuntary Mental Health Examinations
Authors
Laura Brennaman, PhD, RN CEN
Blake Boursaw, MS, BSM
Annette Christy, PhD
Robin Meize-Growchowski, PhD, RN
Publication date
01-10-2017
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research / Issue 4/2017
Print ISSN: 1094-3412
Electronic ISSN: 2168-6793
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-015-9487-2

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