Using the police cell as intervention in mental health crises: Qualitative approach to an interdisciplinary practice and its possible consequences

Abstract

Purpose The aim of this study was to analyze the views of patients, police‐officers and emergency mental health workers on the use of the police cell as intervention in a mental health crisis. Design and Methods We analyzed interviews with individuals involved in police cell interventions, found first labels and categorized them in concordance with the four principles of biomedical ethics and compared them to relevant scientific literature. Findings and Practical Implications Professionals should know that emergency mental healthcare aimed at controlling the situation is not enough to provide good care. It probably generates better outcomes for patients in the short and long term when patient experiences are taken into consideration.

Psychosocial Care Circuit: the systematization of intervention in psychic crisis in mobile pre-hospital care

“…Other authors mention that education programs for approaches in psychic crises cannot be focused solely on controlling the "scene" and that dialogue and the patient's experience must be taken into account in order to guarantee good care 26 . Finally, the multi-professional mental health team that regularly attends ongoing education processes have increased levels of confidence and knowledge, especially in high-risk situations for the patient 27 .…”

Circuito dos Cuidados Psicossociais: sistematização de intervenção na crise psíquica no atendimento pré-hospitalar móvel

“…Outros autores mencionam que os programas de educação para abordagens em crises psíquicas não podem ser voltados apenas para o controle da "cena" e o diálogo e a experiência do paciente devem ser considerados para se garantir uma boa assistência 26 . Por fim, a equipe multiprofissional de Saúde Mental que frequenta regularmente processos de educação continuada tem níveis de confiança e conhecimento aumentados, principalmente em situações com alto risco para o paciente 27 .…”