Healthc Policy. 2024 Aug;19(4):55-69. doi: 10.12927/hcpol.2024.27333.
ABSTRACT
AIMS: This study examined the reasons for high emergency department (ED) use among patients with common mental disorders (MDs), substance-related disorders (SRDs) or co-occurring MDs-SRDs.
METHOD: Following content analysis, 42 high ED users (three-plus visits/year) recruited in two Quebec EDs were interviewed.
RESULTS: The reasons included barriers to outpatient care, patient disabilities and professional practices. Patients with SRDs trust outpatient services less, those with MDs had important unmet needs and those with MDs-SRDs faced care coordination issues.
CONCLUSION: Improvements such as ED use monitoring, consolidating MD-SRD practices and continuous training are needed in EDs and outpatient services to enhance access and continuity of care.
PMID:39229663 | DOI:10.12927/hcpol.2024.27333