Boarding Barriers for Psychiatric Patients in Emergency Departments

Objective To identify past or current literature about emergency department holds and psychiatric patients consisting of the evaluation of patient outcomes, satisfaction and equity of care. It is already known that shorter boarding times from the emergency department to a psychiatric unit have positive patient outcomes such as a decrease in readmissions, increase in patient satisfaction and efficiency in appropriate treatment. Method A scoping review to analyze data by grouping articles into themes which included authors, date of publication, aims/purpose, methodology, sample, interventional details, and the key findings in each article. Excluded articles included those discussing COVID-19 and case management. The patient population that included those 18 to 40 years old, without medical comorbidities and all genders, race, and ethnic backgrounds. The specific aims were to identify the patient\u27s length of stay, experience and barriers to timely treatment or transfer to another facility. Insurance status and type of behavior or psychiatric diagnosis were further identified and results were delineated further. Results Of the studies included (N=10), all pointed toward factors such as insurance type, psychiatric diagnosis, and the next step of treatment all affected length of stay. Patients who had any issues regarding these factors could have a length of stay (LOS) up to 17 days longer than others. Patients were found to be boarded for longer if they were self-paying or if they had government insurance. These delays were the result of the diminishing community resources in which patients can turn to during times of psychiatric need. Implications for Nursing Practice The finding within the literature demonstrates how the stigma against psychiatric illness has led to the shortage of mental health professionals available as resources to those in crisis. Lack of community resources and education leads to a bigger strain on our healthcare system. By providing proper education to emergency room staff, hospital administrators have the ability to relieve the stress that has been created by boarding psychiatric patients