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The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research
Published in: The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research 2/2018

01-04-2018

Disparities in Emergency Department Wait Time Among Patients with Mental Health and Substance-Related Disorders

Authors: Samuel T. Opoku, MBChB, PhD, Bettye A. Apenteng, PhD, Emmanuel A. Akowuah, MSc, Soumitra Bhuyan, MPH, PhD

Published in: The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research | Issue 2/2018

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Abstract

This study examined disparities in emergency department (ED) wait time for patients with mental health and substance-related disorders (PwMHSDs), using data from the 2009–2011 National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS). Wait time was defined as the time between arrival at ED and being seen by an ED provider. Results from multivariable regression models show racial disparities, with non-Hispanic Black PwMHSDs experiencing longer ED wait time, compared to non-Hispanic White PwMHSDs. A temporal decline in ED wait time was also observed over the study period. The findings of this study have implications for informing the development of policies tailored at facilitating the delivery of equitable emergency care services to all PwMHSDs.
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Metadata
Title
Disparities in Emergency Department Wait Time Among Patients with Mental Health and Substance-Related Disorders
Authors
Samuel T. Opoku, MBChB, PhD
Bettye A. Apenteng, PhD
Emmanuel A. Akowuah, MSc
Soumitra Bhuyan, MPH, PhD
Publication date
01-04-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research / Issue 2/2018
Print ISSN: 1094-3412
Electronic ISSN: 2168-6793
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-017-9565-8

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