Around-the-clock mobile psychiatric crisis intervention: Another effective alternative to psychiatric hospitalization

Abstract

This retrospective study evaluates the effect of the addition of a mobile psychiatrist to a 24-hour crisis intervention team, on the number of admissions, to the local state and private hospitals, of residents of the team's catchment area. During the Program period, the psychiatrist was available at the site of the crisis to provide immediate psychiatric treatment. The number of admissions to the hospitals during the Program period was then compared to those of the corresponding periods of the two previous years and of the year after, by means of a time series statistical analysis. When the on-site services of a psychiatrist were added to the mobile crisis intervention program a sharp decrease in state hospital admissions took place, without any increase in private hospital admissions. This decrease was followed by a definite rebound, after the on-site services of the psychiatrist were terminated, and throughout the following year.

‘No suicide contracts’ in community crisis situations: a conceptual analysis

“…Whilst crisis teams may provide short‐term support and care in the community while the consumer remains acutely vulnerable, the team does not provide ongoing treatment for the consumer. This is similar to crisis services in other countries (Bengelsdorf et al . 1993, Reding & Raphelson 1995, Meehan & Boateng 1997).…”

Psychiatric Emergency Services: A Review of the Literature and a Proposed Research Agenda

“…While descriptive accounts of the outcomes of particular PES are available, no comparisons have been drawn of outcomes for different types or providers of PES and no significant conclusions have been drawn related to identify the most effective type of PES or PES provider. Researchers have investigated outcomes for emergency department consultation, mobile and outreach services, and day hospitalization (73)(74)(75)(76)(77)(78). Outcomes for the other types of PES are not found in the PES literature.…”

A Profile of Mental Health Crisis Response in a Rural Setting

“…Also, MHPs and practitioners intervened with children and adolescents: this same system of crisis intervention was implemented with them. Burnout has been a major issue in sustaining crisis services (Reding & Raphelson, 1995) and mobile work likely more taxing than site based service.…”